Ultimately Tarot

by John Field

The most informative book on the Tarot

you have ever seen!

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 In loving tribute to my sons Kyle and Luke for having the patience with me
during the time it took me to write this book, and to my sisters Ann and Helen
who I know will always be there for me.

Copyright © 2010 John Field

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a

retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of
the copyright owner.

ISBN 978 1 4461 9780 6

Disclaimer
This e-book is the product of the author’s research, long-term experience,
and personal insights. It is not intended to be a substitute for therapy or
professional advice, nor does it guarantee any specific benefit or outcome
to the reader. Readers must accept full responsibility for their actions and
use of the material in this e-book.

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 Contents

Introduction................................................................................................ 4

What is Tarot?............................................................................................ 5

The History of Tarot................................................................................... 8

Tarot and Psychology................................................................................ 12

The Major Arcana...................................................................................... 17

The Minor Arcana...................................................................................... 27

Tarot and Astrology................................................................................... 33

Tarot and Numerology............................................................................... 48

Tarot and the Kabbalah............................................................................. 65

The Major Arcana Interpretations............................................................... 76

The Minor Arcana Interpretations.............................................................. 214

The Spreads............................................................................................... 419

Tarot and Psychic Ability............................................................................ 450

Chakras...................................................................................................... 473

Spirit Guides............................................................................................... 483

Final Thoughts........................................................................................... 493

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 Introduction

In today’s world we do not use our psychic instincts

because we rely too much on technology and
science, but we all have the ability to develop our
psychic power. We have also become too reliant on
others to make the decisions for us in our everyday
life, instead of using our own intuition.

I am self-taught and have developed my psychic ability mainly through the

tarot. I am no TV star, just an ordinary man who has worked and studied hard
through classes, books and practice.

Approximately thirty years ago I used to design and read astrology charts for
clients, and my interest in the tarot cards and psychic ability came about when
I decided to phone a clairvoyant to read the cards for me. A couple of days
later I arrived at the clairvoyant’s front door, she answered it and said, “John,
what on earth are you doing here?” I replied, “I’ve come for the card reading
that I booked with you,” to which she answered, “you have no need to be
here, you can do it yourself.” I had never met this woman before and she
seemed to know everything about me, even before I had stepped over the
threshold of he door. Anyway she made me a cup of tea and still did the
reading. That first meeting with this clairvoyant will always stay in my mind,
and from that day my life went in a different direction. I studied everything
connected with psychic ability and the tarot.

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 What is Tarot?

The Tarot is a deck of knowledge and a means of

guidance through symbolism of events or obstacles in
our spiritual (inner) or apparent (outer) world. The Tarot
deck has seventy-eight cards and are divided into the
Major and Minor Arcana. Arcana means “secret” or
“mystery” and is from the Latin word arcanum. The Tarot
can be used as a tool to arouse our intuition and an aid
for meditation, divination, spiritual development, counsel
and direction.

There has been a lot of debate concerning the Tarot because of a lack of
understanding about their use. The dictionary says it is a fortune-telling pack,
but I disagree with that interpretation. It is the tool that I use to gain insight
and understanding in to a person's past and present situation.

It aids to guide the seeker to make the right decisions and possible choices in
their life, and helps them to come to terms with issues from the past that they
keep carrying with them into their present situation. So you can say that it
combines spirituality and psychology, as they both increase awareness of the
issues that are shaping their current circumstances. At the end of the day, the
outcome is up to the person who is looking for the guidance because we can’t
change their will, we can only show them their possible choices, direction or
action. It is not the Devil as some would believe.

When I started learning the tarot, I was looking for the ‘real’ interpretations for
the cards. I eventually realised there is no such thing. There are no strict rules
to interpret the tarot because we are all different and see things differently
therefore you have to use your own intuition to guide you to the answers you
are seeking.

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There are twenty-two picture cards in the major arcana. These cards illustrate
archetypes that everyone relates to psychologically, and various powerful
forces such as the Devil, Judgement and Death. The major arcana (or trump
cards) depict the greater events in our lives and symbolises some prevalent
aspect of our experiences.

Each trump card has a name and a number, some are made up of characters,
some have names that correspond with forces connected to heavenly bodies
of astronomy, and some plainly carry the card’s meaning. When these cards
appear in a reading, the situation or issue is not commonplace or short-lived.
They represent our motivating forces and our predominant feelings. The major
arcana cards are unique because they can extract arcane and emotional
responses. They inform us of the causes and the origins of the affairs and
situations in our life, which are not really predictable but usually turn out to be.

The minor arcana depicts the more routine, everyday aspects of our lives, and
offers remarkable information into our experiences or circumstances and aids
to guide us in the right direction. The minor arcana contains fifty-six cards and
are made up of four suits: Wands (or staves), Cups, Swords and Pentacles (or
coins). Each suit contains ten pip cards (Ace to ten) and four court cards: The
Page, The Knight, The Queen and The King. The four elements: Fire, Water,
Air and Earth are also mirrored in the four tarot suits. The past, present and
future situations, circumstances and events are divulged with the minor
arcana, and the information provided is very accurate and valuable and an
important part of the reading, but must be considered as complementary to
the information revealed by the major arcana. The court cards refer to either a
person or a situation, and can mean that other people are influencing the
situation or getting involved when several court cards are shown in a spread.

Each card does have it’s own traditional interpretation, and studying these
meanings will develop and strengthen your intuition, which eventually will
improve your psychic sense. Tarot can bring insight into everyday situations,

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emotional problems, understanding people better, and helps you to see new
opportunities or changes that may happen in your life, it can also advise you
of how to handle these changes. By working with the cards regularly you will
gather more information than you can in any book. Although, the more you
read to start with, the more confident you will become.

When you choose cards for a tarot spread, whether for yourself or others, it
will seem that you have unconsciously chosen the correct cards to interpret
the current or past situation for that particular person’s reading. In other
words, a person receiving a reading will choose cards significant to their
situation. Now all you need to do is practice and study the cards, it’s not
magic.

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 The History of Tarot

There is no real proof when and where the Tarot

originated, but they probably precede playing
cards and were used for gambling and other
entertainment.

Cards which are mentioned in connection with the

Tarot are those of Baldini dated around 1470, a
set regarded as belonging to Andrea Mantegna
but there are no records of what they were used
for, whether they was used for divination,
amusement or gambling, we do not know.

Historically they date from the fourteenth century, and from court records of
1393 King Charles VI employed a painter named Jaquemin Gringonneur to
design and produce three packs of gilded and coloured cards, for which a
payment was made. These cards included the Major Tarot Trumps and the
Minor Arcana.

In 1398 card gambling was banned in Europe, especially in Germany, but it

has been recorded that in 1379 money was paid for a set of cards by the
Duke of Brabant, and through the Code of Nuremberg in 1380 card-playing
was re-established.

Some parts of the Minchiate card set of around 1415 from Florence is said to
have been in the possession of Countess Gonzaga in Milan, but the complete
pack contained ninety-seven cards which contained the Major Trumps and
others taken from the Baldini card set.

A set referred to as the Bolognese Tarot contained the Major Trumps, but the
twos, threes, fours and fives of the minor cards were taken out, leaving only

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sixty-two cards. This set of cards is said to have been modified as a Tarot by
an exiled Prince who resided in the city of Pisa at the beginning of the
fifteenth century. This Bologna pack must have been evident what it was
being used for, because in 1423, St Bernardin of Sienna was responsible for
burning many decks of cards and preached against gambling and other forms
of playing or using cards. The famous Visconti deck, created for the Duke of
Milan, Filipo Visconti was saved from destruction.

In 1463 it was forbidden to import foreign cards into England, this is the first
positive record in this country to mention cards. At this time the country was in
the reign of King Edward IV, he did not ban gambling because card-making
was a commercial success.

Many of the early packs of cards are French, and a well-known example is the
Tarot de Marseilles. The Italians stopped making cards in the seventeenth
century and started importing them from France, and they were probably used
to play a game called tarocco in Italy and tarot in France. The designs or
symbolism on the Marseilles are still used today and based on medieval
origins.

In 1773 Antoine Court de Gebelin, an archaeologist, who just prior to the

French Revolution, spent several years publishing a series of books named
Le Monde Primitif. He was the first person to write about the Tarot when it was
quite unknown in Paris, and pronounced it to be remnants of an Egyptian
book belonging to Thoth the Egyptian god, patron of magicians and scribes.
The Greeks and Romans related Thoth to their god Hermes. Gebelin believed
that these fragments were a form of Tarot and had survived with the Israelites
(gypsies) through their mass departure from ancient Egypt. The Romany word
for a pack of cards is Tar. One of Gebelin’s friends named Alliette wrote a
book on the Tarot in 1783 (under his reversed name of Etteilla) and also
created a deck of cards to accompany the book. Gebelin and Etteilla made a

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contribution to our knowledge, but their views linking the Tarot to ancient
Egypt, to Morocco and the magi are not accepted by today’s Tarot historians.

Alphonse Louis Constant, a French occultist who changed his name to

Eliphas Levi in, reported in 1855 that the Tarot was brought to Europe by the
Romanies from the Middle East. Levi, a Catholic who had also trained as a
priest, devised an interpretation of the Tarot based on the cabbala. Magicians
and occultists became inspired by Levi’s writings and founded a movement
based on the Rosicrucians, a society dedicated to the study of metaphysical
and mystical subjects. In the eighteenth century, freemasonry was involved
with Rosicrusianism and had incorporated ritual and symbolism to which only
those with special knowledge could decipher, and was intended only for those
who had been initiated into the order.

In 1889, Papus (Gerard Encausse) published The Tarot of the Bohemians.

Papus was a Rosicrucian and believed that the major arcana signified the
spiritual journey of mankind. He joined Levi’s theories with the Hebrew system
of numbers.

The Hermatic Order of the Golden Dawn developed the relationship between
the Tarot and the cabbala, the mystical element of Judaism (the 22 paths of
the Tree of Life). Samuel McGregor Mathers, one of the Order’s founders,
who described the Tarot as “a treatise on human will and spiritual
enlightenment” changed the numerical order of the major arcana by switching
positions of the Strength and Justice cards and positioning The Fool card
before card number one The Magician, rather than leaving it after card
number twenty-one The World. Mathers also incorporated astrology into the
interpretations, which presented a mutual relationship with the zodiac, the
astrological elements and the planets. Aleister Crowley, another member of
the Order, designed his own deck of cards and reinterpreted the symbolism of
the Tarot. They became known as the Thoth deck. He gave The Fool card the

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number 0, because he believed the Fool should be the first card of the Major
Arcana, and most modern decks follow this sequence.

Arthur Edward Waite, another member of the Golden Dawn, in 1916 worked
with an artist named Pamela Colman Smith to design a new Tarot deck. This
became known as the Rider-Waite pack (Rider comes from his publisher’s
name). Waite and Smith were strongly criticised because of the changes they
made to the cards, especially the lack of artistic taste, but their interpretations
made the Tarot more intelligible and understandable than the earlier designs.
The Rider-Waite deck is now one of the most widely used decks.

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 Tarot and Psychology

Carl Gustav Jung (1875 – 1961) was the first

psychologist to relate the importance of
symbolism and the tarot. He never really
adopted orthodox analysis, but used his
personal ideas to develop what he believed
were lasting fundamental principles. Jung
compared his ideas with those of other
cultures, and began to add new words to our
vocabulary. He was responsible for the now
familiar jargon such as the ‘archetype,’ the
‘unconscious,’ the ‘collective unconscious,’
‘individuation,’ the ‘introvert,’ the ‘extrovert,’ ‘anima,’ ‘animus,’ and
‘synchronicity.’

Jung was a pupil of Sigmund Freud but broke away from his system of
psychoanalysis and established his own psychic working. He founded analytic
psychology, and concentrated more on a client’s current conflicts rather than
following the path of Freud’s treatment of neuroses, who thought was possibly
developed from childhood or sexuality. Jung stressed the importance of
people needing to find a balanced opinion in any particular topic or question,
instead of relying too much on logic or science, and accentuated the
advantage of combining spirituality and a comprehension of the unconscious.

By 1934 Jung’s seminars no longer comprised of any case information, but

was concerned with analysis and study of general mythology, folklore and
Eastern religions. It was after he read Richard Wilhelm’s translation of the
Chinese alchemical book “The Secret of the Golden Flower,” that gave Jung
the seal of approval to publicise his focus on the study of alchemy. The book
presented a working model for Jung to combine the particular philosophy,
medicine and religion that explained his theory. When reading the book, Jung

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found interesting similarities between the texts and their writers, especially
within the Christian religion. To him, alchemy was about the process of eternal
growth he called “individuation,” which is the process of personal development
through communication between the conscious mind and the unconscious or
subconscious. In other words, learning to communicate with that part of the
mind which is usually inaccessible to the conscious mind, but which affects
behaviour, emotions, actions, the inner self, psyche, id, and heart, the
inherited instinctive impulses of the individual as part of the unconscious.

Jung defined the subconscious of a person as a division into two branches, a

personal unconscious, which is derived from the individual’s experience, and
a collective unconscious, which is derived from ancestral memory and
experience common to all mankind.

When Jung was writing Aion, he became interested in “synchronistic

connective principles.” He believed that astrological information could define
characteristic traits of individuals, and, therefore, could be used as a study of
character or an interpretation of a person’s situation. Jung employed four
members of the Psychological Club of Zurich, one of them being his daughter
Gret, a respected authority and teacher of astrology, and the other members
had for a long time been interested in astrology through the Tarot. Gret
provided much of the driving force for Jung to select it as the best method of
what he was now calling “synchronicity.” They decided to use the Grimaud
cards of Antoine Court de Gebelin, the Ancien Tarot de Marseilles, because
Jung thought it was the only deck that had the right properties and fulfilled the
requirements of imagery and symbolism that he obtained from the alchemical
texts.

Jung’s “theory of synchronicity” assumes that everything in the universe is

connected, and our outer world is a mirror of our inner world. When the
interpretation of the cards make sense to the client in a tarot spread, then
synchronicity is at work. Supporters of Jung’s tarot system have found that the

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symbols and images in the major arcana cards of the tarot deck can be used
to aid clients to identify with their archetypes. The images of the archetypal
figures found in the tarot help unconscious knowledge to surface. They also
help to relate with the client’s difficulties or situation, and mirror the underlying
causes, desires and fears which can shape the predetermined course of
destiny or events.

Jung claimed that archetypes are abstract mental images of behaviour

patterns, regular or logical forms, order, systems, habits, ideals or models
inherited from man’s earliest ancestors, and present in the collective
unconscious. With experience you will become aware of how these
archetypes will effect you and those around you. These archetypes include
the shadow, the anima and animus, and the wise old man. The tarot also
contains other important archetypes, especially the Self, being the master
archetype, in which we shape our whole lives, and that the Self is constantly
developing and only becomes fully realised when all of our personality
aspects are equally evident.

The “shadow” links the aspects of our personality perceived by others. It

refers to the detrimental aspects of our personality such as fears, inhibitions,
emotional problems, obsessions, complexes, or fixations, which must be
confronted and come to terms with, so that we can move on and become
whole. The Jungian “shadow” archetype relates to the Devil in the major
arcana cards, and refers to the dark side of our personality.

In Jungian psychology everyone has an inner image of their opposite gender.

These images are unconscious and are often attributed or projected onto
those whose characteristics match the inner image they carry. Jung described
these unconscious images as “animus” and “anima.” Animus is the masculine
principle found in the female psyche, which means breath, wind or spirit.
Anima, the feminine principle, means soul, and is found in the feminine part of
a man’s unconscious. The Emperor in the major arcana is the Jungian

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archetype of the animus, and the Empress the archetype of the anima.
Therefore, if the Emperor appears in a tarot spread for a woman, she may
possess the masculine attributes of that card, and vice versa if the Empress
was in a spread being read for a man.

The “wise old man” is a figure in the major arcana cards, and often turns up in
a tarot spread when we are seeking guidance and direction. He represents
the old proverb, “Know thyself.” The wise old man is suggesting that we trust
our own inner guidance, to quietly contemplate and take the time to consider
matters carefully. Jung’s “wise old man” archetype relates to the Hermit and
also the Hierophant of the major arcana. Other archetypes will be in evidence
later in this book with my interpretations of the tarot cards.

Jung invented the terms “introvert” and “extrovert.” He claimed that introverted
personalities were those whose “ego” is turned more towards the internal and
unconscious, whereas extroverts leaned more towards outer reality and
external activity. Therefore, to be excessively introvert or too extrovert
represents a lack of emotional or intellectual development. Jung classified the
introverted and extroverted types, and divided them into activities of the
conscious mind: intuition, feeling, thinking and sensation.

Jung considered that, each individual will have at least one of these functions
but others may need to be developed through sustained or concentrated
effort, if they were to become whole. He said: “For complete orientation all
four functions should contribute equally.” These functions may help to improve
our understanding of the Minor Arcana of the tarot deck:

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 Jungian Function Tarot Suit Element

Intuition Wands Fire

Feeling Cups Water

Thinking Swords Air

Sensation Pentacles Earth

Critics have found Jung’s psychology excessively mystical and unscientific in

some parts.

Despite the criticism, Jung’s ideas have been hugely popular. Jungian
psychology has led to the development of highly accurate personality profiling,
and has contributed to the development of psychometric testing, which is
widely used in human resources departments for assessing the suitability of
job employment.

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 The Major Arcana

The Major Arcana cards correspond to the archetypal

stages of our life. The Fool is beginning this journey,
and the twenty-two cards of the major arcana
describe the different aspects of the situations we
have to contend with or the people we meet in life,
and attributes needed to take care of them. The
images on the major arcana cards tell us of significant
changes occurring in our life, and mirror important
actions that may need to be taken, or discovers the
hidden potential within us. It is a symbolic picture-book of a journey that starts
with the innocence of the Fool, through the twenty-two stages of learning in
order to master the situations and challenges in our life, eventually arriving at
the World, the final stage of our journey, whole and enlightened.

The cards in the major arcana describe ‘fated’ conditions, with meanings that
go beyond personal or routine situations. When a major arcana or ‘trump’ card
appears in a reading, it can signify that we are being influenced by
circumstances and forces that we have no control over. They also represent
spiritual aspects and archetypes, as well as experiences that shape us on an
inner level, whether or not they are obvious in our outer world. The symbols
trigger our subconscious to go deeper than the surface messages, and as we
become more confident when reading the cards we gain increased depth.

The Fool’s Journey

The Fool’s Journey is a metaphor of his journey through life. Each major
arcana card is a stage in his journey, or an experience he must incorporate to
become whole. This is the Fool’s story of our life.

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 The Fool
The Fool is you and I starting out on our journey of life, unaware of
what is before us. On his journey he will encounter many
obstacles, learn many skills, he may fall in love, get married and
have children. The Fool will also face temptation and be unaware of the
hardships in front of him, but he has a desire to go forward and is ready to
embrace whatever comes his way. He will be triumphant in some areas of his
journey and may even become a hero. He may even come to a stage where
he feels that he has fulfilled his journey, then later on in life realises he has
other goals to accomplish and carries on from where he left off. So the Fool
will keep on travelling on his quest until he understands who he is and the role
he has to play in life.

The Magician
On starting his journey, he first encounters the Magician, who
teaches the Fool that everyone has the ability to create their own
magic. The Fool soon realises that the magic comes from within, it
is the magic of our will, our mind and our heart. He now learns to focus his
creative energy by using his inner tools of willpower, awareness and
concentration to make an impact and give magic to the world.

The High Priestess

Having learned about willpower, the Fool feels that direction and
expression of his will are missing and doesn’t want to squander it.
The High Priestess comes to his aid to teach him to fix his mind on
a goal and his unrealised potential. The Fool learns to go deep into his
subconscious and realises that nothing exists if we don’t fix our mind on it.
The High Priestess has helped the Fool to tap into the mysterious
subconscious to become aware of the boundaries between visible and
invisible. She informs him about hidden elements, emotional concerns, and of
intuitive and psychic feelings. The Fool is reminded to listen to his inner
conscience, knowledge, hunches and heart. He now understands that when

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united with will that wisdom is born. The Fool has learned to exert his will in a
wise manner. The Magician and the High Priestess compliment each other.
Each is necessary for balance.

The Empress
With will united to wisdom the Fool carries on with his quest and
meets up with the Empress. She is the great Mother Earth and
represents love, growth, productivity, fulfilment, satisfaction and joy.
The Empress also signifies nourishment, fertility and abundance, and nurtures
the Fool with her support, introducing him to the world of nature and
sensation. He learns desire, to feel, to give and receive love, as well as being
able to act, see, produce, give life and create. The Fool delights in the
abundant goodness of Mother Earth and experiences happiness and joy in his
actions.

The Emperor
The Fool’s joy of action needs to be directed. He is introduced to
the Emperor, the husband of the Empress. The emperor represents
structure and authority. The Fool learns there are patterns to his
world, and is taught how to direct his actions towards an aim, a purpose. He
also learns that his will is not always paramount and there are rules and
certain behaviours necessary for his wellbeing. There are people in authority
that will enforce such guidelines. These restrictions can be frustrating, but
through patient direction of the Emperor, the Fool begins to understand their
purpose. He understands his power of action never stops and always carries
on. The Fool is becoming a leader and can use his ideas to help others. He
can now move forward with courage and ambition.

The Hierophant
The Fool ventures out into the wider world, and eventually comes
into contact with the Hierophant. The Fool is curious, he thinks,
“who is this priest who talks of mysteries and esoteric principles?”

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He wants to know more of this secret talk and joins with a group of students
who study the Hierophant’s teachings. The Hierophant teaches the Fool in the
disciplines of his way of life. The Fool learns of tradition and morals, such as
conformity, beliefs, customs, conduct and behaviour. At first he struggles with
this dogma and conformity. He tries to assess his faith in this system of belief,
and wonders if it will outweigh his independence and his commitment to his
own truth and way of life. After a while the Fool realises he feels a sense of
belonging and identity within this organisation, these organised belief
structures start to enlighten him and he begins to enjoy learning about these
customs and values. Having grasped and understood this arcane grounding
the Fool moves on to the next chapter in his life.

The Lovers
Before, the Fool had been preoccupied with his own affairs, and
now he experiencing the desire for a sexual partnership. Now the
struggle begins to unite this delicate subject with another person.
This is the moment when the Fool will have to make complicated and difficult
choices. He is ready to learn about attraction, romance and a union with
someone else. But is he ready? Perhaps he first needs to find a union within
himself and decide if his own values, opinions and desire are strong enough
to become involved in a relationship. The Fool will be ready to move into a
relationship when he has found the desire and made the decision to do so.

The Chariot
He has gone through the desire and made his choice. The Fool is
now on the path of his destiny. His mind has been focused and
energised by the difficult choices and decision-making at the Lovers
stage. The Fool is confident and has no doubt that he is going to succeed and
go places. He has a strong personality, inner control and feels he is unique,
has lots of self-esteem, a skilful mind and dreams and ideas that only he can
express. The only thing wrong with this is the Fool has not learned that life is
not as black and white as that, he has to realise life involves conflict and

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compromise. The Fool must understand and be aware that his dreams are not
going to be as straightforward as he thought they would be. He now knows
they need planning and direction.

Strength
The Fool has to draw on his own strength as he faces new
challenges. He thought that he had everything under control,
including himself, and now realises that life is not as smooth
running as had thought. The Fool has found there are many obstacles and
barriers standing in his way which need to be overcome. He becomes
frustrated and disillusioned, and excessive passion rises. The Fool does not
realise that the strength he needs is within him. He has to learn to draw on his
own inner strength to face life’s challenges. He also needs to become aware
of patience and tolerance, and needs to use a gentle and loving strength if he
is to overcome these setbacks. When the Fool has learned to control his
attitude he will be able to move forward.

The Hermit
The Fool is now looking for answers to his own existence. He feels
the need to search for his own truth as to why he is here, and takes
time out alone, away from the rat race, to reflect and meditate on
his feelings, his influence and his motivation. It is a matter of identity that the
Fool looks within for direction. He may even need guidance from someone
who could give him advice. When the Fool has found the answers to his own
truth he will once again be in full control of himself and his prospects.

The Wheel of Fortune

After his solitary soul searching, the Fool learns that life is
unpredictable and he cannot take anything for granted, because
Fortune changes. He now understands that thought becomes
action, action becomes cause, and cause becomes effect, and the wheel of
life goes round and round and we are swept along with it. The Fool realises

21
that the wheel can change, either by fate or by the careful deliberation of his
conscious mind. His objectives and motivations are restored, and he realises
his destiny and is ready to move into action again.

Justice
Our actions have consequences and we alone are accountable for
them. The Fool has to find some balance and harmony in his life
and make some important decisions through wisdom and
knowledge. He looks back on his past and the relationships that have made
him the person he is now, and brought him to this stage in his life. He realises
his past was not perfect and wants to make amends for any wrong doings.
The Fool takes full responsibility for his past actions and hopes he can wipe
the slate clean and move on. He needs to be true to himself or Justice will be
served. Will he learn and have the ability to make a firm decision to lead a
balanced life?

The Hanged Man

The Fool moves on but finds life tough. It seems that everything
around him has come to a standstill and his dreams are not being
realised. The Fool feels he has no alternative but to let go and see
what happens. His world has been turned upside-down and he feels lost.
Eventually, he realises that after letting go things are starting to work out for
him. The Fool has learned that sometimes sacrifices have to be made, and he
is no longer deluded by his destiny or what role he has to play in life. The
Fool’s own inner self has guided him to the belief that his desire no longer
makes any sense, because he has already experienced it and now it is free of
urgency and pressure.

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 Death
Only now, during his journey, is the Fool able to understand that he
needs to shed old habits and needless concerns, or even end a
way of life that is no longer appropriate, which also includes
relationships and beliefs. The Fool discovers that Death is not a permanent
state but a transition to a more fulfilling way of life.

Temperance
After facing the death of his dream and his ego, the Fool becomes
flexible, understanding with others and grounded in the real world.
He has come far and found an inner balance in his life. The
extreme experiences the Fool has encountered have made him become
appreciative of moderation. He now realises that the journey through life is
unpredictable, unrehearsed and always developing, and has learned to
combine all of his qualities into a focused whole.

The Devil
The Fool has matured, but despite this, he has to face more
challenges in the shape of his own demons. Has he absorbed the
lessons of Temperance? Life is filled with temptation and the Fool is
urged to honestly analyse his pipedreams, his attractions, and his desires.
These are chains that can tie us down so much that we become enslaved to
them. The Fool needs to listen to his heart, and be conscious of his faults and
shortcomings, then needs to accept them and move on. The Devil is made by
us and can always be overcome by us. In order to grow the Fool will feel
every emotion possible. By learning to confront his fears and emotional
swings, he must deal with them face to face in order to free himself from
restriction, and must not allow them to deter him from pursuing his inner or
spiritual path.

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 The Tower
If the Fool has not learned the lessons of the Devil then a severe
shake up may be inevitable, represented by the Tower. The Fool
tumbles over the edge. Everything he expected from himself comes
crashing down, and much of the confidence he had built up in the earlier
stages of his journey has faltered and now he is experiencing an
overwhelming fall from grace and unpredictable life changes. The Fool must
investigate the causes of his downfall and disposition, and maybe direct his
thoughts towards his own ego and temperament, as well as looking at the
obstacles that the outer world (society) has put before him. Perhaps this
drastic change will make the Fool face the truth about being tied to
materialism and temptation symbolised by the Devil.

The Star
After the upset of the Tower, the Fool now finds his own Inner Light
and the negative energies of the Devil are replaced with hope and
inspiration. He is ready for further enlightenment and development
of his special talents. The Fool’s heart is free and he has learned that he does
not need to even try to exercise his influence. He has attained inspiration and
knows what needs to be done. This is the peace after the storm. He now has
peace of mind and has new goals to aim for.

The Moon
The joy and happiness brought by the Star has made the Fool
vulnerable to the illusions of the Moon. He begins to have his ego
tested through his fantasies, his imagination and visions that have
stemmed from his personal and collective subconscious. The Fool has
developed inner conflict, feelings of dread, fear of the unknown and struggle.
He cannot see clearly and jumps to the wrong conclusions and makes unwise
decisions. The Fool feels that others are deceiving him and treating him
unfairly. He has become disappointed with people and his experiences, and
thinks he is being victimised by his circumstances. What the Fool does not

24
realise is that when he focuses on bad luck and misery he will bring more of
the same to his life through the law of attraction. The Fool needs to learn to
take charge of his reactions and attitude and not to be overpowered or
overemotional by his circumstances, but look for the cloud with the silver
lining. When he has found this he can move on.

The Sun
The Sun is shining down on the Fool, and after being lost in the
moonlight he can now see where he is going. He has learned a
great deal throughout his journey, now everything seems brighter
and he is overjoyed. No challenge is too daunting and his conscious planning
and individual efforts are being rewarded. Happiness and illumination have
come into the Fool’s life after the suffering of his long journey.

Judgement
The Fool looks back on his journey and sees the errors he has
made along the way. The difficulties, the temptations, the guilt,
embarrassment, discomfort and regret have all become lessons
through his journey. This is a time for revival, a time to pay off old debts,
emotionally or financially and wipe the slate clean once and for all. The Fool
has now discovered who he really is and can make the necessary decisions
for the future. He can now move forward with a renewed sense of clarity, he is
ready to follow his dream and true vocation. Now it is time for the Fool to excel
himself.

The World
The cycle is now complete. The Fool is free to go in any direction
he likes. By combining and balancing the inner harmony he has
finally attained, with the skills he has learned in life, he has
achieved real success. The Fool is adept in any undertakings and profits at
whatever he takes on. He is confident and everyone makes sure that he is
rewarded for his skills and service. He has accomplished many things, and

25
there are many opportunities open to him, so the Fool was not foolish after all.
He is now fully aware of his place in the world and knows this is only the end
of one cycle in his life, and will inevitably start on another journey that will lead
him to even greater levels of knowledge and understanding. The Fool will
never stop growing.

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 The Minor Arcana

The largest part of the deck is the Minor Arcana

which consists of fifty-six cards. The Major
Arcana tells us about the archetypal characters,
events, values and universal themes that
strongly stand out at the time of the reading. The
Minor Arcana breaks down these themes into
manageable components to enable us to work
with the circumstances of our everyday life that
we may have to deal with, such as our activities, concerns, emotions, the
people involved, or our own personality.

The Minor Arcana are divided into four suits, Wands, Cups, Swords and
Pentacles, and each of these suits have a particular approach to life. The four
suits encompass every aspect of life and give more personal detail to the
areas of our situation that is represented by the Major Arcana. In other words,
while the Major Arcana is very important indeed and indicates strong areas of
concern or strength, the Minor Arcana will pick out the bones of the situation.

The Suits

Wands
The suit of Wands corresponds to the element of fire. They relate to the suit of
Clubs in an ordinary pack of cards, the season of spring and the months of
March, April and May. People born under the element of fire and the
astrological star signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are also represented in
the suit of Wands. The element of fire is partially similar to Jung’s Intuitive
type. It is the impact of the leader, the entrepreneur, the master, the maestro,
the expert and the professional. Creative thinking and the ability to use his or
her talents in whatever field of business are also a Wand and fire element
trait. If a Wand is surrounded by Cups, it can lose the energy of fire through

27
boredom or lack of enthusiasm, so before you take it for granted that Wands
are in a positive position look to see where they are placed in the spread. The
fire element expresses hopefulness and confidence and even when this
optimism is badly positioned, it one way or another, usually triumphs. When
there are several wands in a spread they bring movement action and
creativity. They are associated with travel whether it is mental, physical or
spiritual, and can signify business trips or journeys for pleasure. Mental
journeys and challenges are also suggested by this suit. Wands also indicate
deals and negotiations that may be related to business matters, property
dealings, family matters, party gatherings and social events. Wands are
enthusiastic, ambitious, and are not shy when it comes to taking a chance or
a gamble, and could be tempted to take more risks than is sensible. Creativity,
especially in the forms of writing and the spoken word are indicated with the
Wands.

Cups
The suit of Cups corresponds to the element of water. They relate to the suit
of hearts in an ordinary pack of cards, the season of summer and the months
of June, July and August. People born under the water element and the
astrological star signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are also represented in
the suit of Cups. The element of water is partially similar to Jung’s feeling
type. Cups are the suit of emotions and sensitivity. They describe
relationships, feelings, love, romance and psychic insight. The feelings
suggested by the Cups suit are the ability of the Water element to flow and fill
up spaces. These spaces can surface as a wakening of creativity and fertility,
whether it’s the birth of a child, the abundance of nature, or the development
of talent or ideas. In career matters the water element suggests the ability to
become aware of our subconscious motives, learn to trust our intuition and
develop greater emotional understanding. Cups and the water element can
feel and sense the amount of trust in the people that you need to work with.

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Swords
The suit of Swords is similar to the Spades in an ordinary pack of cards. They
relate to the season of autumn and the months of September, October and
November. People born under the air element and the astrological star signs
of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are also represented in the suit of Swords.
Swords are a suit of intellect, thought and reason and correspond to the
element of air. The element of air is particularly similar to Jung’s thinking type.
Truth, justice and moral principles are the concerns of the Swords suit.
Swords can indicate conflicts, worries and difficulties that need a solution or
action to be taken. They also suggest people of social stature or authority with
problems or upsets. Swords and the air element are linked with the educated
mind. Ideas are always carefully thought out, scrutinized and categorised.
Sometimes the Swords refer to mental circumstances or theoretical situations
rather than definite actions or events. When Swords appear in a spread,
whatever the situation, courage is always needed. Words, communications,
conversations and verbal arguments are regular characteristics of the Swords
suit.

Pentacles
The suit of Pentacles corresponds to the element of earth and symbolizes
material concerns. They relate to the suit of Diamonds in an ordinary pack of
cards, the season of winter and the months of December, January and
February. People born under the element of earth and the astrological star
signs of Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo are also represented in the suit of
Pentacles. The element of earth is similar to Jung’s sensation type. Pentacles
and the earth element govern things that we can see, touch, taste and smell,
and matters involved with business, career, property, status and money. They
are a suit of practicality and security, and linked to working with the specific
requirements needed for any task, situation or, in fact, any matter. Pentacles
also symbolize prosperity and success in almost everything. They are
concerned with what is actually occurring at the time rather than what is
wanted, therefore, a more realistic approach should be taken on.

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The Structure of the Suits
The suits are structured much like our everyday playing cards with the ten
numbered cards (Ace – Ten) and four court cards (King, Queen, Knight and
Page). Each card speaks to us through its own energy.

Aces
An Ace announces the themes of its suit and always represents positive
forces. They are strong, energetic and a natural leader of the suit.

Numbered Cards
The number of the card has a symbolic message. They are the different
aspects of our everyday life through our situations, emotions, interactions with
others, events and experiences we have encountered. The numbered cards
are also connected with the everyday feelings, thoughts and activities that are
happening around us.

Tens
A Ten takes the themes that are introduced by the Ace to its logical solution.

Court Cards
The court cards are character types with personalities that mirror the qualities
of their rank and suit. They show us the quality or essence of the person we
could adopt, or avoid, to help us through our circumstances. Other than
indicating people and their personalities, they represent ideas, messages,
situations and events likely to happen. Court cards are also associated with
the astrological signs of the zodiac.

Kings
A King is mature and masculine. He demonstrates authority, leadership,
discipline, control and mastery in the areas associated with the suit they are
connected to. Kings are strong-willed, assertive and direct and will take action
to get the results he wants.

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Queens
A Queen is mature and feminine. She personifies the quality of the suit, the
female energy or influence. Queens are associated with feelings, relationships
and self-expression. She is receptive, nurturing, caring and loving, and also
has good people skills, therefore, has an awareness and understanding of the
people around her.

Knights
A Knight is a young immature person in their teens or twenties of either
gender. He is prone to excess because he has not learned to put some
balance into his life and moves frantically from one extreme to the other, wild
with excitement, trying to find his way in life. But we tolerate the Knights
because they are sincere and eager. Knights can be many things, (go back to
our knights of old, one minute they are in a raging battle and the next they are
rescuing fair maidens or searching for the Holy Grail). Basically, Knights in a
reading can represent people or the personality of the person represented by
the suit, but it can also correspond to action or motion.

Pages
A Page is a playful child or the child or adolescent within us. He is the
innocence of youth and acts out the qualities of the suit with pleasure and
abandon. The Page is easygoing and impulsive. He symbolizes adventure,
possibility, communication, messages, development and a time for new
beginnings.

Choosing Your Tarot Deck

This is really a personal choice. There are many tarot decks out there and
initially you will probably choose a deck that catches your eye. I have quite a
few tarot decks, but mainly use the Rider-Waite cards. I suggest that if you are
beginning to study the tarot you may want to use the Rider-Waite deck to start
with, as the images are very colourful and every card is represented in
pictorial form. They will make it easier for you to hold the symbols in your mind

31
in order to interpret the meanings for yourself. Alternatively, you can relate to
the symbolism from my interpretations within this book. As with this book,
many of the tarot books in the shops relate to the Rider-Waite deck and their
archetypal symbols, therefore, it is probably a good first choice. The images
will also help to stimulate your imagination and awaken your intuition. Another
deck that is similar to the Rider-Waite cards is the Robin Wood pack, but the
choice is yours. When you become familiar with the tarot you will probably buy
more decks anyway.

Getting to Know Your Tarot Cards

Once you have chosen your cards get accustomed to handling them. Look at
them, shuffle them and keep using them in order to penetrate them with your
energy. Spend time focusing on the pictures of each card and imagine it is a
situation or place you can enter. Note anything of significance in the card, look
at my interpretations if you need to or even ask others what they see in the
card. Look for aspects in the cards that grab your attention and write your
interpretations in a notebook. When you become more confident start to read
two or three cards and look for the story in them. Just try to notice what the
cards are saying to you without letting anything cloud your insight, such as
your ego or sugar-coating it because you do not like what the cards are telling
you. Each card should link into each other and will have a beginning, a main
body and a conclusion. Always remember that you will never stop learning
with the tarot. If you think you have all the information you need and stop
learning, then you will stop growing as a reader and a person. The more you
work with the tarot, the more it will reveal its secrets.

Protecting Your Tarot Cards

Personally, I wrap my cards in a purple silk cloth and then put them inside a
purple tie-up pouch that I then place inside a wooden box specially made for
the tarot deck, but this is my little ritual. It does not really matter how you store
them as long as you protect them from damage and others getting their hands
on them without your permission.

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 Tarot and Astrology

The Four Elements

As mentioned earlier the four elements are
Fire, Water, Air and Earth. They are a
metaphysical idea dating back to the principles
of the elements that now form the zodiac,
which were applied from the Greek physician
Hippocrates in the fifth century BC to Ptolemy,
the Greek astrologer, astronomer and
mathematician from the second century AD. It
is an idea that is used in Western astrology, alchemy and magic today
therefore it is useful for a beginner of the Tarot to understand the basics of
these elements.

Basically, the Fire element is generally passionate, enthusiastic and focused;

the Water element is emotional, feeling and adaptable; the Air element needs
mental stimulation, interaction and movement; the Earth element is practical,
full of common sense and grounded. The elements also correspond to the
four states; hot, dry, moist and cold, as well as the four temperaments;
choleric (angry), melancholic (sad), sanguine (cheerful) and phlegmatic
(calm).

Tarot and Astrology

It is entirely your choice whether or not to use
the connections between the tarot and astrology,
and should regard these links as further
meanings of tarot symbolism. The beginner to the
Tarot should first learn about the symbolism and
the archetypes of the cards, but by all means read
on if you want to combine astrology to the tarot cards.

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The four elements of Fire, Water, Air and Earth are also some of the essential
principles of Astrology therefore, a basic study of Astrology can be useful in
understanding some of the cards and their influence. I find the connection with
astrology useful when it comes to reading the court cards, as each court card
can be represented by an astrological star sign. The exception to this are the
Knights, but they do relate to the beginning of a cycle within their particular
suit. The Major Arcana also has astrological attachments that are mentioned
along with my interpretations of the Major Arcana cards.

The Court Cards and Astrology

The Court Cards of the Element of Fire

Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are the Wand’s Fire signs of the
zodiac. When these court cards appear in a spread they
often signify a person, and sometimes describe a person’s
circumstances, situations or mental condition. In a spread the King, Queen,
Knight or Page of Wand’s can signify that the questioner may actually be a
fire sign, or behave in a spirited (fiery) way. However, these traits are very
basic and should be used as a guide, but will give a picture as to the type of
person you are dealing with. We humans are much more complicated, but
these traits can be very helpful in a reading. These fiery people and their
situations are described as idealistic, dramatic, spirited and quixotic. They
signify the fearless strength and outgoing qualities of fire.

Positive Aries – King of Wands

In order to achieve success Arians take risks. They are
energetic leaders, adventurous and have quick reactions
that sometimes need subduing. Arians can be quick
tempered, impatient, but are pioneering. They are
courageous and assertive and seldom sit around or wait for
others. Arians will take the initiative because they like to be
in the lead, at the front of everything. They are often bold and direct but are

34
eager and passionate, and their energy and enthusiasm can motivate or
inspire others, particularly to take action or be more adventurous. Arians need
to feel that they are reaching their goals. They are determined, well organised
and are usually successful in business. Wands describe the opportunity for
new growth, especially in business, or they are encouraging the questioner to
adopt some of the same positive qualities of the fire sign.

Negative Aries
Arians should try to avoid being quick-tempered or impulsive, but their major
faults are selfishness, insensitivity and single-mindedness. If things are not
going right for Arian people they can become disillusioned and difficult, and
may fly off the handle into a rage or become bored and detached. Sometimes
they also need to resist being the bully. When the Wands represent the
negative face of Aries they usually appear in the work context.

Positive Leo – Queen of Wands

Leo indicates the attributes of creativity, loyalty and trust.
These types are often generous, big-hearted, romantic and
idealistic. Like the Sun they have warmth that emanates,
surrounds and inspires those who come into contact with
them. People working in the entertainment business, the
theatre, the arts or other media may be represented by Leo.
Leos have a real zest for life and love their freedom to indulge in the limelight.
In relationships, Leo Wands represent warm, romantic types and are loyal and
sensual lovers. They love to be loved, admired, pampered, flattered and
above all respected. Although Leos have a fun-loving side they can be
assertive and like to be in leading roles rather than in a supporting role. Leos’
commanding manner makes them ideal to take on a leading position, but if
they take command without being asked they can appear domineering. Their
strength, courage and integrity can inspire others, and will leave a lasting
impression with their sense of drama.

35
Negative Leo
Leos can be surprisingly sensitive and easily hurt. They don’t take criticism
very well, so any criticism needs to be constructive otherwise you will not be in
Leos good books. Leos tend to dominate in a relationship, it is a tendency that
needs to be gently checked. They are very self-assured, possibly to the point
of vanity, and also have a need for attention and sometimes develop an
overpowering sense of drama. Leos can become moody if they are not the
centre of attention. If they don’t fulfil their potential they will just seek out fun
or become lazy and lethargic. These negative Wand traits usually appear
within a close relationship.

Positive Sagittarius – Page of Wands

Sagittarians are affectionate and exceptionally optimistic.
They like nothing better than an exciting challenge and are
always thinking of ideas and plans for new projects.
Sagittarians are adventurous and love to travel and explore
in order to widen their horizons geographically, socially and
spiritually. When the Wands symbolise these qualities,
challenge is essential where a career is concerned. Sagittarians don’t like to
feel restricted in a job that does not challenge them, either intellectually or
physically. In relationships they make lively partners and will make plans for
social occasions as they usually have lots of friends. Even if you are in a
committed relationship with a Sagittarian, they would like to feel that they still
have a certain amount of personal freedom. They are honest but have a direct
approach and a tendency to be outspoken and tactless. However, for some
reason their open and reasoned approach seems to get them out of
difficulties.

Negative Sagittarius
Sagittarians have a tendency to do too many things at the same time
therefore their main problem is focusing on one thing at a time and finishing it.
They cannot stand being restricted, so any relationship with a partner who is

36
possessive will be difficult, and probably would not last very long. Sagittarians
are so enthusiastic that sometimes it can lead to taking risks, which needs to
be curbed. They need personal goals and life without them will seem
meaningless. If they can’t be fulfilled they are likely to be overcome with
depression. Sagittarians are often rather tactless and blunt, and cannot
understand why others could be offended or hurt by their remarks. When the
Wands signify these tendencies, they may be found in connection with work,
life-patterns, and maybe personal relationships.

The Court Cards of the Element of Water

The suit of Cups corresponds to the element of Water and
the astrological star signs of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.
Typical characteristics of these Water elements usually
become apparent as clear traits in the people symbolized by the Cups. Their
type of personality and pattern of behaviour will be in the information of the
adjacent cards in the spread. If it is not, then the cards may symbolize
situations and circumstances. You can expect the Cups to be emotional
characters who may be sensitive and creative. Negative Cups represent
characters that are overemotional, moody, temperamental, changeable and
hypersensitive. They can also be calculating, dishonest and deceptive.

Positive Cancer – King of Cups

Cancerians are home-lovers and are sensitive, intuitive and
loving. They have a remarkable intuition, and their
instinctive reactions and decisions can usually be relied
upon. They are also emotional and brave and will never
give up. Cancerians have good business sense and can be
clever and crafty, their skill and intuition serves them well.
They know how to accumulate money and hang on to it. The Cancerian
tenacity is also apparent in their careers, they will choose to commit
themselves to a chosen career path and settle down in it. They usually have
warm and loving relationships because they have so much to give and will do

37
it instinctively and intuitively. Cancerians are happy to create something that
will automatically deliver what they need and require, and never make a
demand in a relationship. They are sentimental and their love of the past will
ensure that special occasions and anniversaries are
suitably celebrated. When the court cards relate to Cancerian traits, it may be
someone or people who are attached to you by strong emotional bonds. If a
spread concentrates on relationships or family matters, then the court cards
may represent family members or a partner, even if they are not Water signs.

Negative Cancer
Their major fault is moodiness and they can be overprotective. The ruling
planet of a Cancerian is the Moon. Their moods can fluctuate with the Moon’s
phases, so you never know whether they are going to be happy or miserable.
Cancerians are very sensitive to any kind of criticism. They also have an
incredible memory therefore we have to be very wary of offending them
because they will remember it for years to come. They take love very
seriously, and if a Cancerian person becomes attached to you they can be too
possessive and suffocating. So, if there is someone who seems like that to
you, one of the Cups will probably represent that person.

Positive Scorpio – Queen of Cups

Scorpios have overwhelming energy and are prepared to
work hard for their security and material comfort. It is
essential for them to use their energy in a positive way. It
would seem that money rules their life, but it only looks that
way because they are ambitious and often become
enthusiastically involved with their work. Scorpios can be
extremely jealous. They need someone who can be compassionate enough to
deal with their physical and emotional demands with warmth and sympathy,
and when they have found such a partner all of their energy will be channelled
into the relationship. In the zodiac, Scorpios are one of the most sensual signs
and will make a wonderful lover and companion. They are sometimes

38
accused of being interestingly addicted to sex. They also possess a lively
psychic understanding, like a kind of sixth sense. When the court cards
represent Scorpio types they are overflowing with energy, mysterious,
emotionally impassioned and powerfully magnetic. Scorpio people perhaps
have the strongest personalities of all the zodiacal types. They can
manipulate people to their will and it is not just with their way with words, it
goes deeper than that, it is like some kind of bizarre mind power. The
willpower they can exercise over other people is huge. Those people you are
attracted to or have a powerful effect on you may appear in a spread as Cups.
The surrounding cards and the strength of the reading should make this
evident.

Negative Scorpio
Jealousy is the worst fault of a Scorpio, and if they have the minutest of
suspicions that you have been flirting with someone, even if it is innocent,
their anger will erupt like a volcano and will probably break up the relationship.
They are also very secretive which can become obsessive, and they hate
others sticking their noses into their personal affairs. Scorpios are prone to
overindulging in all the wrong things and this needs to be curbed. If they
learned to control their tempers, especially when they think they have been
unfairly treated, they would do both themselves and others a great favour. If
any of these are indicated elsewhere in the cards, members of the suit of
Cups tend to signify the people involved.

Positive Pisces – Page of Cups

Pisceans have a sensitive and caring nature. They often
give more time trying to solve other people’s problems than
they do for their own. Pisceans make good friends, and
they are kind and good at understanding the needs of
others because they have a huge amount of intuition. They
are imaginative and capable of dreaming up magnificent
and ambitious schemes, but when it comes to put them into action, they lose

39
their confidence and make excuses. The Piscean can fit into any environment
but then tend to fade into the background, and from there others just take
them for granted, but behind the scenes their work is relentless and valuable.
They can also make a terrific, sensitive and caring partner and lover, but can
be too emotional and romantic. Pisceans have potential spiritual or mystical
aspirations and a healthy creative imagination that could be put to good use,
but usually lies dormant because of a lack of confidence to push ahead. They
have a taste for the arts and all that is romantic and lyrical such as poetry and
music.

Negative Pisces
The qualities a Piscean has can be wasted if they are too quixotic and
indecisive. They tend to lie to themselves and others, rather than face harsh
reality. Their temperament can lead to real and imagined problems with
health, and their mental health is easily upset by tension, and stress can
cause them to overindulge in food, drink and maybe drugs. Pisceans can
occasionally try to reinvent themselves by taking on a different persona and
shaping themselves to it, rather than look for their own personality. They can
also be critical of their partner for no particular reason, and can also become
hypochondriacs.

Court Cards of the Air Element

Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are associated with the Air
element and the suit of Swords. They represent thinkers and
intellectuals. The Air element tries to bring balance to the suit
of Swords. Swords and the Air element symbolize people who are open,
talkative and fair. Information and organising ideas into an understandable
collective captivates them. People with the Air element in their zodiacal sign
may emotionally appear to lack warmth and affection, and seem to be
unsympathetic and distant, but in actual fact they have very deep feelings but
have difficulty expressing them. They often represent professional and
educated types of people who are endowed with a sharp and quick mind.

40
When Swords are negative they symbolize people who can be liars, verbally
aggressive, hostile and resentful. They seldom look to physical violence and
would usually hurt with sharp words.

Positive Gemini – Page of Swords

Geminians are lively, intellectual, quick-witted and talkative.
They are logical, quick thinkers and need variety in life.
They are also very independent, and jealousy and
possessiveness does not play any part in their life. Friends
are very important to Geminians, and they will find it
unbearable to be stuck in a relationship where they are not
able to have the freedom to spend time with their close friends. They are
capable of taking in information very quickly, but take the risk of knowing too
little about too much. In relationships, Geminians find it very difficult to commit
to a steady partner, and the relationship will not last very long if the
partnership is tedious because they can become easily bored and need
shared interests, but not necessarily shared views as Geminians love to have
a debate. They can be sophisticated and have a superior artistic palate. They
are tactful and also good judges of character and ability.

Negative Gemini
Geminians may show themselves to be confidence tricksters and liars, they
love to flirt and can concoct scheming ideas to make their plans run smoothly.
Their change of mood can be tiresome because it is like living with two
different people, one day they will be warm and loving towards you and the
next day will be angry and grouchy, and criticise everything you do.
Punctuality is not one of their strong points either. When gathering information
Geminians can tend to lose interest through boredom, and their knowledge of
the subject will turn out to be nothing more than superficial.

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 Positive Libra – King of Swords
Libra is the zodiacal sign of balance and harmony. They are
fair and compassionate and love everyone to be happy like
themselves. Librans make good mediators because they
can see both sides of a situation and love a good
discussion but cannot stand disagreements. They have a
strong sense of justice, fair play and morals that comes
from their need for balance and rapport in their relationships. Their sociability
and magnetism make them likeable people. Librans need to be liked and are
friendly, affectionate and highly value their relationships. They can also be
creative and artistic and it is usually reflected in their homes and their clothes.
They have charm and an attraction they definitely know how to use to their
advantage. Librans are always in demand socially because they make good
company to be with.

Negative Libra
Librans can be indecisive, that is because they are always looking for
balance, and then start thinking about the reasons for and against a situation,
and never actually make a decision. In relationships, Librans tend to jump into
a love affair thinking that this just might be the one true love and perfect
partnership, therefore, obviously they sometimes get it wrong and end up
heartbroken, until the next time. If Librans cannot find the balance they are
always looking for, they can turn from being charming and polite to annoying
and obstinate. They can be easily influenced and too easy-going, to the extent
where they will neglect themselves and become lazy.

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 Positive Aquarius – Queen of Swords
Aquarians are kind and are the Good Samaritans of the
zodiac. They are amiable and warm and always there for
their friends. Aquarians are emotional, liberal and
understanding. They are individualistic and make their
choices freely, their ideas are usually original and can be
fond of paradoxes, and are drawn to everything that is
unique, novel, different and romantic. They can adapt to almost any situation
or circumstance as long as they have their independence, and are able to
express their original and personal ideas and creativity. Although Aquarians
are ambitious it is for the freedom and not necessarily monetary gain.
Aquarians are adventurous, keen and ready to undergo unusual and exciting
experiences.

Negative Aquarius
Aquarians cannot bear to be tied down in any way, mentally or physically, and
find it hard to stay in a relationship because it means having to adapt to their
partner’s habits. They may be lazy, shy, unstable, dishonest, cunning and
deceitful, and their whimsical change of mind, conduct and sudden moods
can cause confusion and irritation to friends and other relationships. Negative
Aquarians often worry about money and don’t fair well to petty rules and
regulations, they like to work within their own rules, and because of this it can
make them stubborn.

Court Cards of the Element of Earth

Pentacles are linked with the zodiacal signs of Taurus, Virgo
and Capricorn and the element of Earth. These court cards
symbolize people who exhibit earthy characteristics in
themselves, or others in your life. They represent hard-working people who
are also warm, sensual and like their material comforts. Earthy people are not
flirtatious and therefore, favour commitment in their relationships. They may
also have difficulty with being sympathetic, but will be helpful and supportive

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in their practical way, such as organising help, or offering food and money. In
a crisis, Pentacles people are fantastic, and they are also excellent hosts and
make permanent loyal friends.

Positive Taurus – King of Pentacles

Taureans need security in their lives and like to build a
secure home. They are patient, determined and have a
great deal of common sense and strength, especially in a
crisis. They are methodical and like order around them, and
also persistent, so they will keep plodding on to the end.
Whatever they choose as a career it has to be steady
because Taureans are not risk-takers, they go to work for the money. They
are afraid of being in a situation that is financially unstable, even if the job is
boring they will stick to it because it is a guaranteed income. Because they
are good with money they may be found in banking careers or other financial
institutions. Many Taureans are naturally musical and artistic and may have
an interest in the performing arts. They attract many followers whether for
business, campaigns or activity. The warm-hearted Taurean is loyal and
loving and operates better in a stable, steady environment. Above all they
need to create a happy home and family life, they need to put down roots. The
love life of a Taurean is very important as they are sensual lovers, and for
them to emotionally develop they need a lasting relationship or partnership.
They know how to handle their finances and cannot stand being in debt, but if
close friends or relations are having difficulties they will gladly offer monetary
help. A Taurean is socially very successful and they make good hosts when
deciding to throw a party.

Negative Taurus
Taureans have to try and control their possessiveness and jealousy, it is not
good being on the receiving end when they become angered, it is like a red
flag to a bull, they will charge with fury and fight to the end. Usually Taureans
will try to avoid an argument, but do not push them too far. If their security is

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threatened they will become bitter and unhappy, and they are not good at
handling their emotions and may become lazy and stubborn. Their love of
food can tend to put weight on them therefore, that coupled with laziness, who
knows what will happen if they don’t take any exercise.

Positive Virgo – Queen of Pentacles

Virgoans are very careful, precise, thorough and tidy. They
are usually talkative, friendly, lively, obliging and make
themselves useful to others. If a Virgoan takes a positive
direction in life they will turn out to be intelligent and
sensible, very good at working on intricate assignments and
not afraid of hard work. They are very organized, and will
spend some time in planning a task to make sure that they have the right
results, because they have to complete a task to the best of their ability.
Virgoans are incredibly diligent and keep a firm control on everything,
especially finances. They are very sensible, relaxed and even-tempered, and
will not let any sign of emotion get in the way of their good judgement or
insight. The Virgo person has an ability to adapt their behaviour to whatever
situation or circle they put themselves into, and it is usually planned to obtain
an end result, probably to get into a particular circle of people to improve their
social standing. The considerate Virgoans make good friends especially if you
need a shoulder to cry on. They are very perceptive and have a very sharp
wit, which of course is in good taste and judgement, and any advice a Virgoan
gives you should be considered because it would be sensible advice. In
relationships, Virgoans adapt very well to married life as they are faithful,
reliable, responsible and will keep the home nice too, but they will be
especially proud of their family, but do not expect to see any feelings or
emotion there, because they are quite undemonstrative.

Negative Virgo
Negative Virgoans tend to worry about almost anything and can end up with
stress related ailments, such as indigestion and bowel disorders. They also

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will be terribly upset if any criticism is made towards them, because they find it
hard enough to live up to their own standards and often lack faith in their own
abilities. Virgoans are usually reticent and retiring, and they will withdraw from
any kind of public exposure or notoriety but will criticise other people’s
activities or actions. It can be pretty stressful too for Virgo people to develop
and stick to a close relationship, as it’s that lack of faith again! Virgo people
who are deficient of their positive qualities can be cunning, cruel, erratic,
unstable, cynical, sarcastic and sharp in their tone of speech, finding fault and
being critical. They can also be snobbish, mean and overly selfish.

Positive Capricorn – Page of Pentacles

Capricorns are practical and careful. They are patient,
hard-working and strong-willed and will focus all their
energies towards one goal. They despise outrageous or
excessive behaviour and unstirred by adulation or sweet
talk, and rarely show amazement or surprise. They are
thorough and methodical in everything they do and their
work will be done in a quiet, routine pattern. Capricorns are ambitious and set
their sights high and are prepared to work hard to achieve their goals. They
put a lot of effort into their work and often make it to the top of their
profession. Although they are good workers behind the scenes, Capricorns
can make excellent leaders. You will find many Capricorns working at their
own businesses, because they tend to work in a solitary position anyway even
though they do work well with others. In relationships Capricorns make true
and loyal friends. In a partnership, they are capable of sincere and passionate
affection but find it hard to show it. Love is a serious matter to a Capricorn and
they will not give away their feelings or emotions too easily, they will always
think the relationship through carefully before deciding to take action. If you
get off with a Capricorn do not expect them to be romantic, showering you
with flowers or leaving messages in your lunchbox, but they will provide for
the family and be very loyal and loving.

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Negative Capricorn
Capricorns are noted for being ambitious and will stand up for themselves,
and that gives them a reputation of being hard nuts. They don’t anger very
easily but it will take them a long time to forgive, and will take their revenge
when the time is right. If a Capricorn should lose their position of authority
they can become moody, resentful and bitterly critical. They can also become
prone to depression and melancholy. When in the extreme, Capricorn people
can be the most detestable people on the planet, tyrannical, lustful, morbid,
deceitful, cunning, selfish and miserly. They normally find it hard to show their
emotions, but a negative Capricorn will seem cold and detached to their
partner. A Capricorn person can be a mystery or paradox.

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 Tarot and Numerology

Numbers have been used for divination and

prediction since the dawn of time, and
everything from the past, and future things to
come are all tied up in what we are doing and
learning now, in the present. Learning to
understand the numbers associated with the
Tarot will help the reader to work more
constructively with the cards. Numerology will
give the reader a lot more information that will
be helpful in predicting the future life path and character of a person. The
following information and interpretations of the numbers will enable the reader
to understand the principles that epitomize each of the numbers in the Tarot.

Number 1 – The Aces, The Magician (I), The Wheel of Fortune (X), The
Sun (XIX)
The key words for the number one are begin, create, initiate and undertake.
They suggest all that is potential and possible. This is where the seed takes
root and the result is new life. One is a single component that is dramatically
changing from day to day, or the beginning of an important event or happy
occasion that will become a whole and be able to support itself. In other
words, sometimes other people know us better than we know ourselves, this
is because we are not always sure of our own potential, which maybe due to
the fact that we have not yet united fully with our own Self and are still not
aware of our qualities. When we do become aware then we become one with
our Self. Consequently, the number one relates to the ego and the Self, and
refers to the personal resources a person possesses. Many ones in a spread
emphasize the availability of these resources, but does not guarantee whether
they are going to be successful, fulfilled or used profitably. It indicates sudden
movement and usually promises hope and progress after disruption and
change. Therefore, the adjacent cards in a spread should be able to assess

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the amount of energy and degree to which these personal resources can be
used. The number one like the Self is independent, individual and singular.
One also likes to be first in line therefore ambitious, dynamic and a natural
leader with a powerful will and great potential. This number is willing to take
the initiative and the action needed to create new opportunities for growth and
change.

Key Words
Positive: Ambitious, creative, competitive, confident, courageous, decisive,
dominant, drive, dynamic, energetic, gregarious, imaginative, individualistic,
knowledge, leadership, motivated, original, pioneering, proud, self-
determination, strength, strong convictions, strong desires, strong opinions,
will-power.

Negative: Antagonistic, boastful, bossy, cynical, demanding, domineering,

egotistical, indecisive, impatient, jealous, lacks restraint, lacks originality,
overbearing, loner, possessive, selfish, single-minded, too proud, tyrannical,
unstable, vacillating, weak-willed.

Number 2 – The Twos, The High Priestess (II), Justice (XI), Judgement
(XX)
The egotistical number one has changed its nature and form and wants to
merge with a partner and to share its feelings with others, to become two. The
number two symbolises duality, which means there is an opposite, two
underlying principles or forces that are equally balanced such as man and
woman, day and night, hot and cold, inside and outside, good and bad, and
so on. However, duality is not always balanced, for example, the duality of
good and bad in a person is unable to be seen or felt until there is an action or
reaction taken by that person. It is therefore someone who displays opposing
good and bad personalities, similar to that of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Jekyll
and Hyde. For this reason, it is a possible union or a possible opposition
within the personality of someone. In this form of duality we may need to learn

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to control the balance. Accordingly, the number two may represent our search
for union, harmony and balance through being receptive, sensitive, sincere
and intuitive. This number is related to our emotions and feelings. People with
a strong element of this number in a spread may find it difficult to find a
solution or reach a conclusion to any problems they are up against. This is
because their emotions and feelings may cause them to doubt their decision,
and their mind will fluctuate backwards and forwards trying to find a satisfying
solution. Therefore, their mind seldom rests, but the twos in a spread give the
opportunity to restore the balance and resolve any conflict.

Key Words
Positive: Agreeable, arbitration, association, balanced, charming,
considerate, cooperative, calm, emotional, gentle, goodwill, harmonious,
intuition, inspiration, mediation, modesty, objective, passive, partnership,
persuasion, peace, protective, receptivity, sensitivity, sociable, sincerity,
sympathetic, tactful, visionary, wisdom.

Negative: Alone, agitated, careless, clumsy, co-dependent, crafty, depressed,

deceitful, extreme, extroversion, easily upset, fussy, indecisive, lack of
confidence, moody, overemotional, over-tolerant, oversensitive, reticent,
selfish, subservient, self-centred, strife, suspicious, tactless, timid, touchy,
undignified, worried.

Number 3 – The Threes, The Empress (III), The Hanged Man (XII), The
World (XXI)
The number three is the effect number one has on number two, that is the
effect of unity on duality. It can be looked upon as some other factor that has
encroached on the peace and harmony of the number two creating a division
or disunion. The number three relates to personal creativity, therefore, you
can say the unity of number two has created another element, for example,
the birth of a child, now two becomes three. The two people involved will have
their life dramatically changed by this birth and must adapt their lifestyle to

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accommodate the arrival of this child, as they are now a family. The number
three also corresponds with growth, action, energy and enthusiasm.
Therefore, any problems the twos encounter must be settled so that they can
move on into a much wider stage of development, and enjoy what has been
achieved through their unity. There is always movement and progress with the
number three that is usually built upon with whatever has been attained in its
earlier work. If there are many threes in a spread then the person receiving
the reading can expect to do very well in whatever field of activity they put
their mind to. The number three is active, fertile and nurturing, it is the birth of
something new, development and enterprise bringing with it material benefits,
happiness and joy.

Key Words
Positive: Abundance, artistic, balanced, birth, creative, charming, expressive,
friendly, fertility, freedom loving, fun loving, gift with words, growth, happy,
humorous, imagination, joy, literary, loving, lucky, multitalented, optimistic,
productive, sensitive, success, versatile.

Negative: Argumentative, boastful, busybody, conceited, contrary, critical,

cynical, deceitful, exaggerating, extravagant, fearful, gossip, hypocritical,
indecisive, insecure, intolerant, jealous, killjoy, lazy, moody, pessimistic,
scattered, self-indulgent, self-doubting, snobbish, sad, shy, sly, timid,
talkative, unprepared, unforgiving, unfinished tasks, unimaginative, worried.
Ultimately Tarot 28

Number 4 – The Fours, The Emperor (IV), Death (XIII)

The number four is symbolised by the square. Ancient civilisations thought the
Earth was quadrilateral, as a result the number four related to the Earth and
material world. The square is the outcome of the inner resources of number
one combined with the personal creativity of number three. This combination
has given rise to a condition that is somewhat constant, stable and
unchanging, much like the four quarters of the moon or the four seasons,

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comforting and reassuring. Even the world is divided into the four directions of
the compass points, North, South, East and West. There are also four suits in
the Tarot deck which also relate to the four elements Fire, Water, Air and
Earth. The square is the most stable structure that man can make. Have you
noticed that most manufactured products are square or have four sides? For
example, the TV, mobile phone, microwave, washing machine, fridge freezer,
your house, and so on. Even Jung’s introverted and extroverted types are
divided into four activities of the conscious mind, intuition, feeling, thinking and
sensation. However, as comforting as the fours are, it may have distinct
limitations, where we could find ourselves being cast into the unknown
suddenly facing hardship and many obstacles to overcome. Success is
possible but must be achieved through hard work. The number four relates to
building safe foundations and security and implies being careful and steady in
your work or duties, and also putting in the effort. The fours are a stage in the
progress of our goals and not the fulfilment of them. It is akin to the scientist
who is trying to work on a formula for a panacea, a universal remedy. The
scientist has to be realistic, practical and definitely resolute, with steadfast
concentration and constant dedication. There may be a ground-breaking
result, but the inclination towards limitation could prove to be disappointing,
irritating and frustrating. The fours need to be balanced and in harmony like
the four elements otherwise they can become inflexible and discordant.
People with a strong presence of fours in a spread will be hardworking,
practical and diligent and probably be successful in the business and financial
world.

Key Words
Positive: Application, accurate, building, concentration, constructive,
determined, detailed, dexterous, diligent, exact, firm, hard-working, honest,
logical, loyal, methodical, orderly, organised, patient, practical, pragmatic,
reliable, secure, self-disciplined, sincere, skilled, stable, strong, trusting.

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Negative: Bossy, careless, destructive, emotionally repressed, fussy,
habitual, hides affections, impractical, lack of application, lack of
concentration, lazy, obstinate, prone to excesses, rigid, rebellious, resentful,
stubborn, tenacious, too frugal, too strict, uncommunicative, unfeeling,
unreliable, unstable, untidy, weak, worrying.

Number 5 – The Fives, The Hierophant (V), Temperance (XIV)

The symbol for the number five is a man who is stood with outstretched arms
and legs as in the shape of the pentagram, and contained by the infinitive
circle. When the pentagram points up it represents the forces of light, but
when pointing down represents the forces of darkness. The five is
astrologically associated with Mars which is the planet of energy, ambition,
bravery and daring. However, it can also bring discord, fear, uncertainty, and
upheaval. The energy of Mars can lead to disputes, anger, changes and
fluctuation. The number five is not that bad though, there is freedom, choice,
opportunity, vitality and determination. However, when this number has
influence in a spread, everything could suddenly manifest as quite a surprise
and constant effort will be needed in order to overcome obstacles, hardship
and disorders as a result of not facing the problems, misunderstandings or
discord between our desires, ambitions and motivations. If we respond well to
changing patterns then we rise to the challenges with which we are
presented. If we hesitate, withdraw or mislead, our opportunities may turn to
regret. The number four is a condition or position that is stable and
reassuring, but it is an order that does not change, it is rigid, rooted and
inflexible. The fives will need to break down the structure of the fours in order
to attain a new condition that is open and accessible to new ideas that are not
dogmatic, but lively, active and responsive. With the fives there is always
another goal to reach, along with the obstacles we have to overcome in
getting there. This is about trying to balance and control our own lives and
coming to terms with our everyday responsibilities and the demands that are
put upon us. It is the number for those of us who have overcome the chaos

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and disorder that we had created in the first place. Skill is needed to handle
this volatile energy successfully.

Key Words
Positive: Adaptable, adventurous, bright, change, curious, daring, drive,
energetic, enterprising, enthusiastic, fond of travel, freedom loving,
independent, lucky, magnetic, mental agility, mystical, progressive, quick,
resourceful, sexual attraction, sociable, strong instincts, thrifty, variety,
versatile, witty.

Negative: Avoids responsibility, changeable, confidence trickster, demanding,

destructive, dislikes routine, drifting, drives too hard, easily bored, hates
restriction, headstrong, impatient,
impulsive, inconsistent, irresponsible, lustful, nervous, over-cautious,
overconfident, pessimistic, restless, too outspoken, unfinished business,
unreliable.

Number 6 – The Sixes, The Lovers (VI), The Devil (XV)

After the disruption of the fives we can now start to restore some stability back
into our lives. We can relax a little, lick our wounds, assess the damage and
be grateful for what we have. The number six is symbolised by the six-pointed
Star of David and the Seal of Solomon. God created the world in six days
therefore it is the number of completion and perfection. The influence of the
sixes welcomes the perfection that surrounds us. We begin to see the
qualities that please our aesthetic and moral senses, and have a more
favourable estimation of the world. However, it also indicates limitation
because we cannot go further than perfection, unless a new element is
introduced, one which is not related to the six of the minor arcana. The six is
not good with setting limits. However, well-integrated sixes bestow
clairvoyance and sharp insight. It is important for the six to merge so we can
achieve a balance between our material and spiritual life, then this potent
union will allow us to become masters of our own destiny. The number six is

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linked with love, family, health, harmony, peace, caring for others, marriage
and home. It gives us sensitivity, tenderness, understanding, sympathy and
love for others. This number symbolises relationships of all kinds, but those
with a dominant six in a spread need to spend more time looking after
themselves instead of spending to much time on their relationships with
others. The influence of the sixes brings beauty, fun and laughter, and the
negative side of the world such as, the suffering and injustice that exists urges
us to try and restore the harmony and balance because of our love for
humanity and this planet. Sixes bring the best out in us. Its appearance in a
spread indicates positive feelings and events.

Key Words
Positive: Adjustment, artistic, balanced, beauty, caring, creative, dependable,
domestic, emotional, entertaining, feelings, friendly, harmony, health,
humanitarian, idealistic, loving, love of home/family/children/animals/nature,
nutrition, peace, responsible, service, sympathetic, universal, unselfish,
worldly.

Negative: Anxious, complaining, discontented, domineering, family ties, inert,

interfering, irresponsible, jealous, obstinate, others’ troubles, outspoken,
overcritical, self-centred, self-righteous, self-sacrificial, selfish, snobbish,
stubborn, suspicious.

Number 7 – The Sevens, The Chariot (VII), The Tower (XVI)

There are seven colours of the rainbow, seven deadly sins, seven virtues,
seven original planets used in astrology, seven chakras of the body, seven
days of the week, on the seventh day God rested after creating the world, and
so on. This is a profoundly revered number with spiritual significance, and is a
link to spirituality. We all possess within us seven vital centres known as the
chakras, which control the body’s vital function. These chakras or psychic
centres have a practical effect on our daily lives. Even thought we may not be
aware of it, these psychic centres are a constant exchange of energies that

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directly affects our psychic development and intuitive thought, and helps us to
climb towards self-accomplishment and release. The seven was considered to
be the number of the gods, who brought universal order, balance and
harmony into our world. It is important that we find a balance in our lives,
therefore we must learn to trust our intuition. Seven is the symbol of the Greek
god of time, Chronos, and reminds us that everything materially made has a
limited life span, hence, not fully real. This number deals with the limitations of
the material world and a sense or a lack of time. People with many sevens in
a spread may be conscious of the time. If there is a strong number seven we
may tend not to trust ourselves or trust others, and therefore must firstly get to
know ourselves through self-discipline, then eventually we will reap the
rewards. We must evaluate our special skills and also learn to understand the
things that make us happy or sad, then put them down to experience so that
we can use them again as valuable tools for a more comprehensive life.
Seven is a number of wisdom, understanding, growth and accomplishment.
We gain confidence, independence, and insight under the influence of the
sevens, and they guide us to discover and examine our capabilities. This
number helps us to recognise our Selves. The number seven reveals that
something is going to happen, to be achieved, reach a satisfactory end, attain
a kind of perfection and success. It shows good signs for the future, but we
should really never regard any of the Tarot cards as being either good or bad
within themselves. The Tower is a number seven card and it’s symbolism
looks to be devastating, but basically it means we have overstepped our
limitations and need to assess where we have been overindulging in the
material side of our life. A number seven is a useful tool for getting things
finished.

Key Words
Positive: Analytical, contemplative, dignified, faith, idealistic, intelligence,
intuitive, investigating, love of solitude, meticulous, mindful, observant,
original, perfectionist, pride, rational, reflective, researching, sensitive,
spiritual, specialist, spontaneous, technical, thoughtful, trusting.

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Negative: Argumentative, cold, confused, critical, cynical, hidden motives,
hidden thoughts, lacking generosity, lacking self-expression, misunderstood,
over-analytical, overly sensitive, over rational, repressed, reserved, sarcastic,
self-absorbed, silent, skeptical, suspicious, temper, uncommunicative,
unreasonable, withdrawing.

Number 8 – The Eight’s, Strength (VIII), The Star (XVII)

The number eight is regarded as the first cubic number according to the
followers of Pythagorus. The eight’s are similar to the concept of assessment
inherent with the fours. They are involved with practical matters and the usual
requirements for our existence. With this number we need to pay close
attention to detail and put in a lot of hard work, because at the end of the day
we only get what we deserve, in other words, we only profit from what we put
into it. Many of us have difficulty with this because our Western culture is very
materialistic, Eastern cultures control their material needs, or probably have
to, because of their lower standards of living. The eight is symbolic with fate,
which means it is out of our control and there is nothing we can really do
about it, except learn from it. Some of us are able to manage our lives fairly
easily but others find it very difficult to make it all balance. Eight is a number
that attempts to reach for perfection, and drives us to go out and buy some
material commodity to represent that we are getting there. The behaviour of
the number eight operates around areas concerned with money, sex and
power. However, because it is principally concerned with our hopes and plans
it can tend to come into conflict with the emotional and sensitive sides of our
nature. For example, our home life and love life may suffer because we simply
have not got the time to be involved in that side of our lives at the moment.
Consequently, all the hard work and effort needed to make a success could
lead to the neglect of those who are dear to us. This number can persuade us
to change our outlook and accept fate. Because of its similarity to the idea of
infinity, we can assume then that the number eight holds nothing definite, and
therefore eight’s are contained forces that eternally renew. The real key words
for the eight’s in the minor arcana would then be regeneration or renewal.

57
This is why the number eight often predict a beneficial crisis, in other words
necessary because it sets free new energies. When an eight appears in a
spread, it means something is suddenly coming to an end, because it cannot
continue on its course any longer without being regenerated or renewed. This
number holds the power of rebirth, even before anything develops or takes
place, and takes us to a final end in which there is no return. The eight’s in a
spread can suggest significant changes in money, relationships, career, home
life and status.

Key Words
Positive: Ambitious, authoritative, business acumen, capability,
discriminating, drive, energetic, executive ability, financial rewards, goal-
orientated, good judge of values, good with money, hardworking, karma,
leadership, material success, organisational abilities, persevering, powerful,
practical, protective, realistic, recognition, responsibility, self-confident,
strength, supervising, works for a cause.

Negative: Bullying, controlling, demanding, domineering, drives too hard,

forceful, impatient, intolerant, irresponsible, materialistic, miserly, money
difficulties, over-ambitious, overactive, plays power games, repressed
feelings, stubborn, tense, weak, workaholic.

Number 9 – The Nines, The Hermit (IX), The Moon (XVIII)

November is the ninth month of the Roman year, hence the word nine
deriving from the Latin novem, and neuf is nine in French, which also means
new. These bring us a link between the number nine and the idea of things
being exposed and new. The prime example is the nine months gestation
period that the foetus is carried in the womb between conception and birth.
We can say then, that the number nine presides over the gestation of life and
birth of human beings, therefore can be regarded as the number symbol of
the perfect cycle. Another point of view is that if we add all the numbers up
from one to nine we get forty-five, then if we add the four and the five together

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(4+5), it totals to nine. The number nine is the ultimate completion and
manifestation of the idea that started at number one and symbolically far-
removed as is possible. Whereas one is ego, self-love and start of a cycle, the
nine is anti-ego, divine love and completion. The nine symbolises the sum
total of our thoughts, words, creativity, talents, abilities and actions that need
to be developed and accomplished in order to make our plans materialise.
This number enables us to see the rewards of our efforts. It is also about
giving without expecting a favour in return. In the minor arcana it represents
the development of a plan, a detailed investigation, a focus of components or
interests that will be purposely directed towards its conclusion of being visibly
and perfectly developed. Practically it can mean a certain success or a happy
achievement, reached through perseverance, patience, receptivity and
tenacity.

Key Words
Positive: Artistic, broad-minded, compassionate, charitable, creative,
forgiving, good with people, helpful, humanitarian, idealistic, impressionability,
intelligent, intuitive, kind, leadership, loving, objective, perfection,
philanthropic, romantic, selfless, sentimental, spiritual, sympathetic, talented,
tolerant.

Negative: Changeable, careless, demanding, depression, disappointed,

escapist, failure to use talent, frustrated, impulsive, inferiority complex, jack of
all trades, miserly, moody, overly sentimental, possessiveness, seeking
approval, selfish, too detached, too much love of self, unforgiving, wrong
habits.

Number 10 – The Tens, The Wheel of Fortune (X)

The tenth card of the major arcana in the Tarot deck is the Wheel of Fortune,
this card symbolises the material or non-material elements in our lives that
come and go, round and round, whether good or bad. It is about ideas,
thoughts, actions, plans, resources and even mistakes that may or may not

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have been thought about, which create the ups and downs in our lives. Life
tends to be cyclical and sometimes beyond our control, it is like life and death,
for example, a cycle of our life may die or end, another turn of the wheel may
bring back life or a new phase, returning back to a unity or a whole again. An
example of this symbolism is that if the numbers from one to ten are added up
we get a total of fifty-five. Then by adding the two fives together (5+ 5) the
result is still ten, then by adding together the one and the nought (1+ 0) we
return back to one. Therefore, the cycle always goes round and round from a
beginning to an end and from an end to a beginning again. Similarly, the
Tetrahedron, Pythagoras’ symbolic pyramid is based on the numbers one to
four, when we add up the numbers from one to four we get a total of ten. The
confusion at that time with the Tetrahedron must have been immense,
because it is a quadrilateral figure disguised in the shape of a pyramid. It is
constructed of four levels and each level represents one of the four elements.
The first level, base or number four, represents the Earth element, the second
level or number three, represents the Water element, the third level or number
two, represents the Air element, and the fourth level or number one,
represents the Fire element. The Tetrahedron stimulated thought and inspired
the people of the ancient world, and still does today. The number ten is an
important symbolism that can take us from an idea into a perfect whole.
Whatever we are living and working towards is recognised at the number ten.
It is the final show of whatever has been on our mind and in our thoughts for a
period of time, whether it is positive or negative. This subconscious activity is
very important to the study of the Tarot. It is about recognising the unseen
obstacles we may have to contend with when chasing our hopes, dreams and
ambitions. This way we can use the invisible forces to direct us down the
correct path, instead of coming to a dead end. Ten is about recognising that a
stage in our life has been completed and our aim has been realised. We may
now be able to relax for a while until the next idea or concept comes into our
head, and off we go again back on the cycle of the number ten.

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Key Words
Positive: Ambitious, competitive, conviction, creative, energetic, executive
skills, forceful, fond of company, independent, natural leader, practical,
progressive, self-confident, strong, strong willpower, success-orientated.

Negative: Arrogant, demanding, dictating, dominating, egotistical, impatient,

does not use opportunities, selfish, too proud, unstable.

The System of Numbers

What’s in a Name?
A good deal of information about the character and life path can be predicted
using numerology. It is also fascinating to discover what life path our personal
year may take. But first we need a number system as follows:

The Alphabet System

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A B C D E F G H I
J K L M N O P Q R
S T U V W X Y Z

Fig 1

As we can see the A, J and S have the value of the number one, B, K and T
have the value of number two, and so on. We can now connect the letters to
the number and analyse what they mean, especially within a person’s name,
as follows:

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Full name:

J O H N E D W A R D S M I T H
1 6 8 5 5 4 5 1 9 4 1 4 9 2 8

Fig 2

Now we add up the numbers under each letter, thus:

1 + 6 + 8 + 5 + 5 + 4 + 5 + 1 + 9 + 4 + 1 + 4 + 9 + 2 + 8 = 72, then the
seventy-two is reduced by adding the two numbers together, (7+ 2), giving the
number nine. Therefore, this name has the characteristic of the number nine.
However, even though this is going to be the strongest characteristic, this
name has other strong distinguishing features because, if you notice, the
name has three ones, fours and fives, which means there are equal strengths
of other traits to this character. The other numbers are not strong enough
because there are only one or two of them, which means that these numbers
are the weakest and would need to be consciously controlled.

Example of the Name Characteristic:

With a number nine personality, any form of problem, obstacle, dilemma,
difficulty or hardship are not in John’s vocabulary, because he is convinced
that with a little work everything will sort itself out. Others may feel John’s
attitude is rather cynical but they are likely to benefit through his ideas and
energetic resourcefulness because John is exceptionally generous, which
often leads to his kindness being taken advantage of.

The Life Number

Now let us say his date of birth is the 28th August 1968, we simply add up the
numbers of this date to give us the number of his possible direction in life. For
example, 2 + 8 + 8 + 1 + 9 + 6 + 8 = 42, then we reduce this number by
adding up the two numbers, (4 + 2), which gives us six. The number six is
John’s life number. If the number totals more than nine then we can reduce it

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again by adding up the two numbers. For example, if say the number is 12
then we reduce it by adding up the one and the two, (1 + 2), giving us three.

Interpretation of the Life Number

John’s life number is six therefore he must take on many responsibilities in life
such as family and work. His true desire is to express love, and although John
can be faithful, he can also be demanding, and will not stop searching until he
has found his soul mate. John will probably surround himself with people he
sees as the epitome of love, and you may not find anyone more thoughtful
towards others. Therefore, if John does not allow his objectives to be swayed
by others in whatever direction he plans to take, then he will succeed.

Personal Year Number

This is similar to the birth date number, except instead of the year of our birth
we use the present or future year. For example, the 28th August 2009. As
before we simply add up the numbers of this date, therefore, 2 + 8 + 8 + 2 + 0
+ 0 + 9 = 29. Then we reduce this number by adding together the two and the
nine as before, (2 + 9), which gives us eleven. Now this number being more
than nine needs to be reduced even further as mentioned earlier. Therefore,
the eleven becomes (1+ 1), which gives us the year number of two.

Interpretation of the Personal Year Number

If John’s personal year number is two then he may need to work in tune with
others and therefore, become aware of their needs as well as his own. John
may have to be sensitive and tactful when handling other people, and may be
called upon to assess situations concerning others because he may have to
try and settle disagreements. Partnership matters will become important to
John during this year, but it is also a year of personal creativity in which he
may suddenly be prompted by creative inspiration that will urge him to be very
productive, reliable and stable. When interpreting name numbers, life
numbers and personal year numbers refer to the section on Tarot and
Numerology.

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 Tarot and Kabbalah

What is Kabbalah?
Firstly, let us take a look at the different spellings of
the word Kabbalah to avoid confusion. In general
Kabbalah or Kabala is the original Hebrew version,
Cabala is the Christian version and Qabalah is the
Hermetic version.

The Kabbalah is a system of esoteric knowledge and a key to controlling and

achieving mystical experiences and true spiritual union. Kabbalah can be
translated as “received tradition” or “oral tradition.” It is used to describe
Jewish mysticism, which found its inspiration in the Sefer ha-Zohar (“The
Book of Splendour”) of the thirteenth century. The Kabbalah allows any
aspect of life, both rational and paradoxical, to be absorbed into the body and
mind and related to any other aspect on many levels.

Brief History of the Kabbalah

The Kabbalah is said to have first appeared in written form with the Sefer
Yetsirah (Book of Formation”), through a traditional narrative that is said to
date back to Abraham. The Sefer Yetsirah is a piece of work that details the
basic structure of the Kabbalah, and interprets the creation of the universe
through thirty-two hidden paths of the Sephiroth (“numbers,” “emanations” or
“spheres”), and the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. It’s exact date
of origin is unknown but it is attributed to Rabbi Akiba, who was martyred by
the Romans for refusing to renounce his faith and belief in the Kabbalah.
Spanish Kabbalist Moses de Leon (1250 – 1305) wrote the Sefer ha-Zohar
(“Book of Splendour”), between 1280 and 1286. It deals with the ten Sephirah
emanating from the indescribable infinite en sof (absolute) through which the
universe is created and maintained. The mutual interaction of these Saphirah
and their individual natures are seen both as expressing the nature of divinity
and as archetypes for all of creation. The Bahir (“Book of Illumination”)

64
another important Kabbalistic text appeared in France around the eleventh
century.

In 1492 the Jewish exodus from Spain spread the classical Kabbalah
throughout Europe. The German Kabbalah was created by Aaron ben Samuel
that had an emphasis on magical rituals based on Merkabah mysticism.
Christian or Western Kabbalah grew from Germanic Kabbalism and found its
own language and development in Western Mystery Orders such as the
Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.

The nineteenth and twentieth centuries have seen further development of the
Western Kabbalah through occultists Eliphas Levi, Papus (1865 – 1916), and
members of the Golden Dawn, Aleister Crowley (1875 – 1947), Dion Fortune,
who was born Violet Firth (1890 – 1946) and S. L. “MacGregor” Mathers, the
co-founder of the Hermatic Order of the Golden Dawn. Links between the
Kabbalah and many other philosophical, mythological and religious systems
have been put forward and detailed, the most important being the links
between the Kabbalah, meditation, prayer, magical rituals, numerology,
astrology and the Tarot.

65
The Tarot on the Kabbalah Tree

66
Sephiroth on the Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is the depiction of the Sephiroth (numbers, spheres or
emanations) of the Kabbalah, and is a symbol of modern Western occultism.
Each of the ten emanations within the Sephiroth is called a Sephirah, and
together they form what is called the Tree of Life. This Tree is the central
image of Kabbalistic meditation. It portrays symbolically the descent of the
Divine into the apparent world. The Tree of Life is constructed of three pillars
and ten Sephirah (numbers, spheres or eminations). Each Sephirah describes
a certain attribute of sacred energy, and taken together as the Sephiroth they
form the unity and spirituality of man, and the path by which humankind must
take to ascend to spiritual enlightenment. The Tree of Life is built upon the ten
Sephirah as illustrated in the diagram above.

There are 22 paths on the tree of life, one for each letter of the Hebrew
alphabet. There are also 22 cards in the Major Arcana of the Tarot, and each
of these corresponds to a Hebrew letter and a path on the Tree of Life. The
usual attributions of the Major Arcana to the paths are shown in the diagram,
but some occultists offer slightly different placements.

Each path expresses the interaction between a pair of Saphirah that connects
a Major Arcana card. For example Major Arcana Temperance signifies
balance, coordination and the ability to live and work in harmony with others.
The interaction of Sephirah six, (Tiphareth – Beauty), and nine, (Yesod –
Foundation), mirror this balance with the attributes of Tiphareth finding
stability in Yesod. When interpreted: some aspects of our relationships need
to be embraced and fused through love, compassion, interaction and
compromise, and new possibilities may need to be explored through our
dreams, instincts, desires and creativity, so that we can build for the future
and retain a sense of security and stability. Obviously, this is only simplified.
The meanings of the paths can only be approached through study and
meditation. An apt design of symbolism with the Tarot deck can help in this

67
process, and learning to understand the Kabbalah helps to promote a deeper
understanding of the Tarot.

There are ten Saphirahs in the Saphiroth or the Tree of Life and ten
numbered cards in each suit of the Minor Arcana. This gives a simple and
strong analogy. For example, the Sephirah on the Tree of Life follow a
sequence, from the new beginning or creative impulse of Kether in the first
Sephirah to completion in the tenth Sephirah of Malkuth, therefore, the
numbered cards in each suit follow this pattern from the Ace to the ten. For
example, the fives belong to the Sephirah number five that symbolizes
Strength.

The Sephiroth may be viewed as a psychic reaching out to mankind. Each

Sephirah of the Sephiroth is an emanation of an attribute of the psyche. Many
have described the Sephiroth in various ways, two are prominent: the four
worlds and the higher man. The description of the worlds is better described
as the four levels of worlds. Included within this description is the highest
world, which is the World of Archetypes and Divinity (Atzilut), next is the World
of Creation (Beriah), then the World of Formation (Yetzirah), and culminating
with the World of Manifestation (Assiyah). Therefore, the system can be
further refined, as each of the suits of the Minor Arcana corresponds to one of
the four worlds. For example, Beriah in the world of creation corresponds to
the Water element and the Tarot suit of Cups. So the Seven of Cups
corresponds to Netzach in Beriah. Netzach is the Sephirah of intuition,
creativity and the emotions, and Beriah the creative world, hence the Seven of
Cups in the Tarot deck has meanings associated with happiness and self-
fulfilment in one’s love life, deep and strong relationships and something new
taking place, maybe a birth. The analogies between the Kabbalistic worlds
and the Tarot suits are as follows:

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 The Kabbalistic Worlds and the Tarot Suits

Sephirah & Meaning Tarot Suit Element Kabbalistic Court

Card Number World Cards

Aces Crown
or
Kether Will
2’s Atzilut
Wisdom Wands Fire (Divine and Kings
Chokmah Archetypal)
3’s Beriah
Understanding Cups Water Queens
Binah (Creative)
4’s Mercy
Or
Chesed Grace
5’s Severity
Or
Geburah Strength
6’s Beauty Yetzirah
Or Swords Air Knights
Tiphareth Harmony (Formative)
7’s Victory
Or
Netzach Endurance
8’s
Reverberation
Hod
9’s
Foundation
Yesod
10’s Assiyah
KIngdom Pentacles Earth Pages
Malkuth (Manifest)

The Sephirahs
The structure of the Sephiroth can be from Kether to Malkuth, or vice versa.
The ultimate purpose of the Kabbalah is to unite the psyche and man. When
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viewed from top to bottom a psychic essence is reaching out to us. In reverse
order, it is our attempt to climb the mystical levels of the Tree of Life to reach
the level of divine consciousness. Each of the ten Sephirah represents a
spiritual and/or physical characteristic of man, each are an emanation of an
attribute of the spiritual, the appearance of the pure and divine attribute.

Kether or Crown
The first or top Sephirah is Kether or Crown, and is the pure and divine
essence. Kether is described as ain, nothingness, and en sof, absolute.
Within this nothingness and absolute are every attribute of the divine that will
be manifested in the lower Sephirahs. Kether represents knowledge or
knowing, the divine consciousness itself, the spiritual side within and around
us. Kether represents ultimate reality and spiritual transcendence. It is full
realisation expressed in the mystery traditions as the mystical bonding of the
material and the spiritual, of heaven and earth. Kether is the pure and divine
essence or the hidden, highly intelligible brain.

Chokmah or Wisdom
From Kether comes Chokmah, the Second Sephirah, and is mainly the
manifestation of divine thought, contemplation and meditation. This Sephirah
represents wisdom, the active or dominant principle of knowledge. It is the
mystery of creation, the process of development through learning and skill.
Chokmah has the knowledge of the divine, the right brain. The perfect
archetypes of each and everything dwell with Chokmah.

Binah or Understanding
The third Sephirah is Binah. Binah is like a mirror that has no reflection, empty
and dark, and needs Chokmah’s help to give her life. When she receives
Chokmah’s reflection she inherits the intelligence of Kether and the wisdom of
Chokmah, and she then becomes a sublime beam of radiant light. Binah
represents a true understanding of what is known, and is the receptive and
reflective aspect of knowledge. Because Binah receives the reflection she has

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a feminine nature, and becomes masculine when passing this knowledge onto
the other Sephirah. This is true of each Sephirah except for Malkuth; they are
feminine when receiving and masculine when passing on divine attributes.
Since Binah is the first recognized receptive Sephirah she is frequently called
the “Great Mother.” Binah has the ability to distinguish between the real and
unreal, the left brain.

As a portrayal of human anatomy, Kether, Chokmah and Binah form the head,
and all are concerned with knowledge.

Chesed or Mercy
The reflection of Binah now begins to descend through the other seven
Sephirahs. The first divine attribute mercy in the Sephirah of Chesed. Mercy
in Chesed makes sacrifices to bring happiness to others according to their
needs. Chesed with infinite kindness adapts to the limits of all things, and
gives everything life by offering a structure to enable us to be set free from
adverse limitations. Chesed always aspires to the divine and has an
illuminating nature, and is the right and merciful arm.

Geburah or Strength
There is cooperation between Chesed and Geburah. While Chesed gives life
to everything, Geburah the next Sephirah shows strength and severity and
gives shape, form, or limitations to everything. We have to have limitations in
our life otherwise we would not be able to distinguish between justice and
injustice. This strength is in agreement with judgement. We need established
limits for everything, so that we each receive what is justified and needed.
When the limits are established all things become closer together because
they share similar associations, and participate more positively.

Severity is first manifested as cosmic darkness, and it is here that evil seems
to emerge through the appearance of a void because of its ability to shrink to
make room for creation. Then mercy (a strengthening influence) fills all

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created things and beings with radiant light of divine immanence. It is the
cleansing of all that is not good. Binah seems to present this evil in its
reflection, therefore appears to promote good through Chesed and invalidates
evil through Geburah because the end result is totally good. Geburah has true
judgement of all things, or the left and enforcing arm.

Tiphareth or Beauty
The next Sephirah Tiphareth mainly expresses divine beauty. This beauty is
received from the unique qualities that are incarnated in Kether. Within these
qualities are all of the divine endless possibilities that are exhibited in
Tiphareth. This Sephirah above all other is the centre of the divine heart and
compassion, which embraces and fuses everything, surrounding the world of
evolution. Tiphareth’s approach is identified as shared action (give and take)
in all relationships. All of the divine attributes of the Sephiroth pass on to
Tipareth, therefore he manifests all of the qualities and characteristics
ascribed to lower Sephirahs while revealing the mysteries of the higher
Sephirahs.

It is here that we enter into the nirvana of the spiritual realms. Tiphareth is the
midpoint between the world of everyday reality and the realm of ultimate
spiritual transcendence on the journey towards mystical enlightenment. It
represents the theme of rebirth, or spiritual resurrection. Tiphareth has inner
and outer beauty, and is the heart symbolizing beauty and love.

Netzach or Victory
Accompanying the emanation of divine beauty is the manifestation of divine
victory Netzach. He is active and positive and has intuition and a spiritual
passion. This is the Sephirah of love and romance, and represents creativity
and the emotions. Netzach is spiritual power or the right hip of cosmic force.
He comes forward from Tiphareth as an endless flow of pure life, composed
of energy and karma, and fills everything born with this cosmic collective of
the divine.

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Hod or Reverberation
This illusory collective, however, does not happen alone. This collective can
only happen with the help of Hod. Hod takes on a feminine role when
receiving the life Netzach pours out. As the life flows it clears a path in the
mind to make room for the creation which Hod receives. Therefore, both
Netzach and Hod must simultaneously come forward from Tiphareth. Hod in
its feminine role has negative power when making room for new creation,
echoing the victory of Netzach. Hod represents intellect, rational thinking,
communication and logic. This Sephirah is the natural force, or the left hip, or
the cosmic negative force.

Yesod or Foundation
Yesod is the direct outcome of the actions of Netzach and Hod. Yesod is the
unique act, which simultaneously presents and renews all that is radiated and
expressed into a united and perfect state. Yesod is the final flow of all the
attributes expressed by the following Sephirahs, and is the coming together of
them. The perfect archetypes of everything are also present in Yesod just as
they are in Chokmah. Yesod is associated with dreams, imagination, sexual
fertility and the energy of the subconscious mind. This Sephirah represents
the synchronisation of mind and body, activity, or the productive organ or
creative act.

Malkuth or Kingdom
Malkuth, the tenth and last Sephirah, is called the “kingdom” of god. This
Sephirah is purely feminine because she has no Sephirah to pass on her
received qualities. From the right side of the Sephiroth she receives the bright
and intelligible qualities, from the left side the dark and unintelligible ones, and
from the centre pillar of which Kether is the highest situated, the higher-
intelligible attributes, therefore, Malkuth possesses all three. Malkuth is the
final destination of all the emanations of the Sephiroth, therefore a receptive
principle. This Sephirah represents familiar everyday consciousness, and is
associated with the earth, the environment, all living things and the activities

73
surrounding these. All the many higher possibilities of the divine are
presented to Malkuth where they are realized. The inspiration from above
shines down below. The lower seven Sephirahs are said to reflect in detail the
first three higher Sephirahs. Malkuth has receptivity, she is the feet, the
female body, the important material receiver of the emanations of the
Sephiroth.

Daath
Daath appears within the Sephiroth but it is not a Sephirah or the eleventh
Sephirah as it is frequently referred to. Daath includes the first conscious
knowledge in Kether and when reflected from Binah becomes attached to
cosmological intelligence. Simply, Daath is divine intelligence that is
inaccessible until it is reflected from Binah and spread throughout the entire
Sephiroth. This intelligence presents the divine and its attributes as well as
the perfect archetypes of all things. Daath is divine knowledge inspiring
everything.

Each card of the Major Arcana can be used as a meditative doorway through
which we can pass to reach a higher level of understanding. Using the Major
Arcana as meditative doorways on the Tree of Life involves what are known
as “pathworkings.”

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 The Major Arcana Interpretations

0 The Fool

Astrological Influence: Uranus

Key words or phrases: Beginning. Entering a new

phase. Going on a journey. Opportunity to be taken.
Change. Starting something new. Evolving. Expanding
horizons. Feeling carefree. Heading into the unknown.
Progress. Being spontaneous. Acting on impulse. A
sudden departure. Uninhibited. Carefree. Target to
reach. Doing the unexpected. Exploiting. Living for the
moment. A sudden change of situation. A transitional
period. Letting go of fear and worry. An enthusiastic initiative. Believing. An
obstacle to cross. Having faith. Accepting your choices. An ultimate aim to
reach. A moment of madness. Pursuing a dream. Trusting your heart. Taking
a chance.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck the Fool card depicts a young man dressed in elegant
clothing paused at the edge of a precipice. The sun is shining and he is
looking up at the sky rather than looking to where he is positioned. Although
he is stationary it is obvious by his stance and the dog bounding to try and
catch his attention, that he has no intention of stopping. The Fool seems to
have no fear of what is ahead of him, so perhaps he believes he will be saved
if he fell. He carries a white rose in his left hand and an expensive staff over
his right shoulder that has an embroidered satchel attached to it.

The precipice symbolises that we might be facing a dangerous situation and

need to make an important decision as to how to deal with it. The precipice is

75
alerting us to situations that have unknown elements or that can be risky. We
often have to face the unknown, and possibly be open to taking a risk, and
psychologically, some actions we take can put us on the edge and force us to
overcome our fears in order to give us the strength to push forward through
our own limitations. Therefore, we need to face our fears or difficult situations
and make decisions in one way or another.

The dog signifies loyalty, protection and companionship, they are devoted
and can also warn us of danger. Dogs are widely connected with death and
the spirit world. The Incas believed the howling of a dog signaled the death
of a relative. The Ainu people of Japan believed that dogs had psychic
powers and could see ghosts. The Maya buried dogs with their masters so
that they could guide them through the afterlife. In Greek mythology, Cerberus
the watchdog guarded the underworld.

The white rose suggests innocence, wisdom and spiritual purity. White is the
colour of light and is considered lucky. In Africa the colour white is believed to
drive death away, therefore associated with healing. The rose is a symbol of
perfection, the heart, and romantic and sensual love, and can indicate a
wedding within the year. It is also associated with the Wheel of Life, which
symbolises the continuous cycle of life, death and rebirth. Within the Wheel,
the point of liberation is at the hub, and represents a spiritual journey from the
edge to the centre, and from activity to stillness, this is the purpose of
meditation.

The staff signifies the support we need to help us through life. It symbolises a
journey that we must embark on, fortunately we will not have to do it on our
own, as we will receive help in some way.

The satchel signifies that we might be having problems with elements of our
identity, maybe we need to adopt some of the more feminine qualities of our
personality. It represents how we look after our own resources in life, and not

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necessarily material resources, as it is a symbol of holding and carrying what
is valuable to us, such as gathered knowledge and intuition.

The sun is associated with the principle of authority, the first identified as
being the father. It is linked with individuality, personality, will, ego, creative
energy, health and vitality, and influences both physical and psychological
development. At its highest level, it is striving for psychic union. It is the male
energy and represents the animus. The sun suggests happiness, warmth,
conscious awareness, guidance and vitality.

On the whole, the Fool card represents that an important new chapter in our
lives is about to begin, in which a risk may need to be taken. It is about our
choices and receptivity, and our desire for knowledge and new experiences,
because without them we will become shallow and boring. Symbolically, the
Fool is about to set out on his journey in search for knowledge and spiritual
enlightenment, he is ready to learn and grow and he believes that anything is
possible. It has not entered his head that there is a possibility of failure or that
he might come across some trouble along the way, and he does not know the
meaning of fear because he has never experienced it.

In Chinese mythology, Tripitaka, a Buddhist monk, travelled from China to

India to acquire the Buddhist scriptures. The Emperor gave him a white horse
for his journey but a dragon devoured it, so Tripitaka rode the dragon instead.
The priest Sha Ho-shang was his companion on the journey and their guide
was the monkey-god Hanuman, who was helped by a pig-like god named Chu
Pa-chieh. Throughout the journey Tripitaka had to face eighty-one tests that
was arranged by Buddah, which he managed to triumph over with the help of
his companions.

The changes and challenges that we face in life could take us anywhere, but
we all need challenges to spark our creativity and spirit in order to develop our
full potential. Without these challenges our motivation deteriorates and we

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become stagnant. Obviously the outcome may be uncertain but we need to
have the faith in ourselves to overcome the obstacles and challenges in our
lives. However we need to rid ourselves of our old habits, tradition and
outworn methods, and learn new ways of doing things in our own original and
unique manner. Therefore, we need to listen to our own inner voice and not
be swayed by what other people might think.

The Fool card is numbered zero, and like the Wheel of Life is a symbol of the
continuous cycle of life, birth and death. Zero is also a symbol of potentiality,
and represents the blank void of infinity, from which, it is said life originates
from and returns to. The Maya represented the zero shape as a spiral,
suggesting the womb symbolism of the shell and foetal life. This number is
also considered to represent the beginning of a spiritual journey.

The astrological influence of the Fool is the planet Uranus, which is the planet
of impulse, sudden changes, independence, decision making, originality, and
freedom. Uranus stimulates our originality and ability to act with dynamic
individuality, willpower and independence. It also represents novel ideas,
education, hopes and wishes. It is about our potential vitality and spirit, and
our ability to seize opportunities, our aptitude to innovate and invent, and our
interest in science.

Interpretation
When the Fool appears in a spread it suggests that you are about to embark
on a new phase of life. New opportunities are on the horizon perhaps in the
form of a new job, career, or business venture. It could also be something
great in your relationships, maybe your existing relationship develops into
something new, or you enter into a new relationship. You are about to start a
journey of self-discovery and can go in any direction you like, seize the
adventure and bring excitement into the new experiences you discover.
However, you must realise that everything does not always go to plan, so
expect the unexpected. Have faith, believe in yourself and follow your

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instincts. Take a chance if you think it is the right thing to do, don’t worry what
other people might think and go for that sudden opportunity or choice. You are
open to new suggestions and ideas and have an ultimate goal to reach.

It is going to be a complete new direction in the way you live your life. You are
not afraid of the unknown and have the confidence and idealism to push
yourself forward into the next phase of your life. However caution is advised,
and because your attitude is one of peace and trust, be careful of offers that
are too good to be true because they might be just that, so don’t be naïve
when you are faced with certain choices, use your common sense. Things are
going to drastically change, but your success will come when you turn your
back on the areas of your life that no longer serve you or your growth. You are
capable of original and new ideas and you will make some surprising
discoveries. There are many challenges ahead but you will overcome them,
just follow your heart.

Negative
This is not the time for you to take any risks, such as trusting people you are
not quite sure about or changing your job, think of the consequences before
you dive into any situation. Luck has temporarily run out on you so keep hold
of your money. Maybe you feel a fool for allowing yourself to be deceived or
cheated and did not think things over properly and made the wrong choice or
decision. Perhaps you are unable to control a situation because you have
been listening to other people and made the mistake of not following your own
instincts.

People
Those with an irrepressible urge to take a different direction in life. Those who
want to follow their instinct. Those who decide to move on and evolve. Those
who have an ultimate aim in sight. Those who start new ventures or make
dramatic changes.

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 1 The Magician

Astrological Influence: Mercury

Key words and phrases: Using initiative. Free spirit.

Taking action. Your potential talents and qualities
coming to light. Doing what needs to be done. Being
creative. Knowing what you are doing. Experiencing
power. Using your talents. Ability to convince others.
Self-confidence. Carrying out plans. Willpower. Making
a strong impact. Opportunities. Originality. Manual and
intellectual ability. Flexibility. Organisational skills.
Making magic. Individuality. Focusing on a goal. Mastery.

Symbolic Meaning
A youthful male figure dressed in a robe is depicted on the Magician card in
the Waite deck. Above his head is a horizontal symbol of infinity representing
the Holy Spirit, and around his waist is the alchemical symbol ouroborus, the
serpent devouring its own tail. He stands raising a wand with his right hand,
and his left hand is pointing down below, which indicates that he is
transferring sacred energy from above to the world below. On the table are
the four symbols of the four Tarot suits, signifying that he has control of the
four elements of natural life and creation, wands represent fire, cups
represent water, swords represent air, and pentacles represent earth. There is
a bower of red roses above his head, and in the foreground below they are
mixed with lilies.

The robe suggests status and power. The red robe represents power,
strength, dynamism and sensuality, and the white robe represents
innocence. The Anglo-Saxons believed that the colour red protected them
from evil and provided them with magical powers.

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The symbol of infinity is shaped like a figure eight and is an ancient
Egyptian symbol of eternal life.

The ouroborus is the ancient Greek symbolic serpent with its tail in its mouth
representing the cycle of life, eternity, totality, and the inseparable self-
supporting character of Nature.

The wand represents the authority of the Self. It symbolises the “magical”
powers that influence us, and to be aware of any external forces that needs
controlling. The wand describes the movement from above to below, from
Heaven to earth, from the nadir to the zenith and vice versa, it embraces spirit
and provides a link between the higher and lower worlds. The Greeks
considered the wand to represent destiny and fate. Numerically it is related to
the number one.

Roses are a symbol of the heart, of perfection, and of sacred, romantic and
sensual love. The rose also has a connection to the centre of the Wheel of
Life, the endless cycle of life and death. The centre or hub is the point of
liberation, and it symbolises a spiritual journey as a movement from the edge
of the wheel to the centre, much like the purpose of meditation.

Lilies represent purity in alchemy, and are linked with courage and
perseverance. They are identified with Christian devotion, purity and
innocence. Older traditions associated lilies with fertility and erotic love.

On the whole the Magician signifies the divine will to attain liberation and
union from above. However, it also suggests that we may need to look at the
nature and the intentions of the people that come into our lives. Are they
being honest or are they deceiving us? It could also be that we may need to
look at whether we are being deceived into a false sense of security by our
own illusions and have become attracted by something or someone that is

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false. The Magician can also represent the need to take an original approach
to a problem, or maybe organise things in a unique but powerful way.

Probably the most famous mythological magician is Merlin. He is credited with

building the Round Table, and of course the creation of the magic sword,
Excalibur. It is said that he transformed himself into a knight, named Jordans,
of the court of Gorlois. Merlin did this to help Uther Pendragon to seduce
Igraine, by changing him into her husband, Gorlois. However, he would only
do this if Uther promised that he would give Merlin the baby son that was born
between them. This was the future king, Arthur, and Merlin took the boy and
fostered him with Ector. This story is one of deceit and guidance. The deceit
involved was in the seducing of Igraine, but good came from it through
Merlin’s guidance to steer Arthur to the throne for the good of the country.

The Magician is a teacher and a guide and urges us to control our path
through life by gaining knowledge, and by using our creativity and willpower. It
is suggesting that we develop our potential and direct our talents and skills in
a positive, suitable and sensible way. We may have to deal with many tasks
at the same time, so we must use our ingenuity and integrity when making our
choices, and have responsibility and control in the action we take.

This card’s number is one, which is the number of masculine power, and is a
symbol of beginning, creation, unity, creative power, individuality, initiative and
Self. It represents the ability to start something new in a powerful and decisive
manner. It refers to ambition, vigour, enterprise and leadership that are
combined with a powerful will and great potential.

The astrological ruling planet of the Magician is Mercury, which is the planet
of communication, intellect, reasoning and teaching. This planet influences us
to concern ourselves with our children and our personal local environment. It
is the mental attitude that governs many important patterns of behaviour, such
as deciding where to live, local schooling, local travel, and everyday business

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matters. Mercury influences the mind, communication and general mental
capacity, and it governs how the mind works and how we are able to translate
thoughts into actions.

In Roman myth, Mercury was the herald and messenger of the gods, he was
also the god of art, commerce, eloquence, fertility, games, luck, roads,
thieves, tricksters and wisdom. He is depicted wearing a winged hat and
sandals, and carrying the caduceus, a magic wand with wings and entwined
serpents, that is said to have transformative power to change male to female
and vice versa. The caduceus symbolises the mediation between opposing
forces and is now interpreted as an emblem for homeopathic medicine.
Mercury is credited with the invention of fire, the lyre from the shell of a
tortoise, the shepherd’s pipe, astronomy, musical scales, and measures.

The Magician indicates that we all have the power we need within us, it is
basically how we do things and how we learn through our experiences and
lessons in life.

Interpretation
When the Magician appears in a spread you should expect a new beginning
and a fresh start, so use your initiative, skills and creative abilities to their full
potential. The time is right to put your plans into action and start on new
projects. There are choices to be made and you must be decisive and
determined as to which direction you take. If you focus your mind, your own
intuition and wisdom may guide you in the direction that you need to go in. Be
original, use your creativity and imagination, and use the special skills and
talents that you have gained to reach your goals. You have the ability to
convince others of what you can do, so promote yourself and show them.
Approach any problems from a different angle, you have a natural power and
great ability to overcome conflict, so assess your abilities and start making
some decisions.

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You are good at developing positive relationships and can expect a change in
your love life, perhaps a new romance will start up or an existing relationship
starts to go from strength to strength. If you are thinking of starting a new
relationship make the first move, because it doesn’t always come and sit on
your lap. Business affairs look promising too, you may have luck in securing a
new job, employment opportunity or starting your own new business.
Whatever the situation you will be successful financially, in new projects,
ventures, creative pursuits, new partnerships, and any effort or enterprise you
do on your own.

The Magician card can also signal the beginning of psychic awareness.
However, don’t commit yourself to any venture too quickly because the
Magician can be a trickster, so be aware of any trickery, exploitation or
manipulation around you. In the end, this card is suggesting that you are a
true leader and an original thinker, and your talents and qualities are coming
to light. It is advising you to be creative and there will be many happy
surprises in store for you. In other words, you are the master of your own
destiny.

Negative
There may be unfortunate changes in your career or upsets in your family,
through your own restlessness or a lack of intelligent planning. There may
also be malicious gossip, bickering and altercations going on in your domestic
life. You seem to be hesitating and becoming impatient about something.
Perhaps someone has been lying to you and put you in a tricky situation.
Maybe you are finding it hard to put your plans into action. You feel that you
are doing all the work and being taken for granted. This makes you feel
lacking in willpower, inspiration and energy, and makes you feel
unappreciated. Someone or something may be preventing you from moving
forward. Look into other people’s motives because there might be some
trickery going on.

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People
Those who are open-minded, inquisitive and dynamic. Those who start or
achieve something new. Those who are starting a period in their lives where
they can exert their free spirit and willpower. Those who increase their
knowledge through education or travel. Entrepreneurs. Teachers. Inventors.
Guides. Magicians. Artists.

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 2 The High Priestess

Astrological Influence: The Moon

Key words or phrases: Spiritual forces. Knowledge.

Secrets. Wisdom. Matters not yet revealed. Intelligent
and thoughtful reflection. Forethought. Spiritual
enlightenment. Psychological insight. Intuition.
Clairvoyance. Inner illumination. Virtue. Experience.
Moral guidance. Looking within. Serenity. Learning
about feelings. Being receptive to influence. Trusting
your inner voice. The subconscious. Uncovering
mysteries. Opening to dreams and the imagination. Meditation. Hidden
issues. Seeing your hidden talents. Early memories. Looking beyond the
obvious. Help. Advice. Past conditioning. Sensing the secret and hidden.
Hidden influences. Opening to the unknown. Esoteric knowledge. Occult
wisdom. Access to hidden knowledge and learning.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck the High Priestess is depicted sitting on a throne between
the two pillars of Solomon’s Temple. There is a crescent moon at her feet,
and she wears a silver crown that represents three phases of the moon, the
full moon, the waxing moon and the waning moon. On her breast is a large
cross, and on her lap is a scroll with the word Torah inscribed on it. She wears
a long robe of blue and white that partly covers the scroll, and the veil on the
temple pillars behind her is decorated with embroidered palms and
pomegranates.

The pillars are suggesting that we create stability and support. However
these pillars have an esoteric symbolism. They symbolise polarities, or
opposites, for example, black and white, terrestrial and spiritual, positive and
negative, creation and destruction, life and death, and so on.
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These two pillars echo those on the front of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem.
The left pillar was made of black stone and was related to the moon, decay
and the waning year and cursing. It was named Boaz, and means “it shall
stand.” The right pillar made of white stone and was related to the sun, the
waxing year and blessing, and was called Jachin, meaning “in strength.”

The upturned crescent moon is an attribute of the Egyptian goddess Isis

and Christian symbolism of the Virgin Mary, as she is sometimes also
depicted with an upturned crescent moon, much like the High Priestess,
and is associated with mystery, intuition and the powers of the subconscious.
The virgin goddess Artemis is usually depicted either holding a crescent
moon or wearing one on her head.

The waxing moon is associated with rising energy, echoing pregnancy, and
is often thought to be a good time to start new projects. The full moon is at its
strongest, and represents the fullness of the female energy, and is linked to
the symbolism of the circle, signifying wholeness. The waning moon is a time
for cutting back, decreasing and letting go of things.

The cross became the central symbol of Christianity. Since Christ said “My
kingdom is not of this world,” the early Church tried to separate the spiritual
and terrestrial realms. Spirituality became the dominant force of the Christian
world, whereas life on earth, the world and the body became seen as forces
that needed to be overcome instead of linking them all together as parts of a
natural whole. The cross is closely linked to the symbolism of four, which
signifies wholeness, perfection, harmony, order, stability and solidity. It has
been suggested that the four arms of the cross represent the four phases of
the moon, the four elements, the four winds and the four seasons.

The scroll is a symbol of learning and law, and subscribes to the knowledge
or information that has been given to us in order to improve our lives. It can
also represent hidden knowledge as well as the passing of time.

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The Torah is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, and is believed to
contain all of God’s teaching as divulged to Moses on Mount Sinai. It is more
than a mine of laws and stories, and is seen as the inner dimension of our
earthly world, and the medium by which we may gain access to the higher
realms of spirituality.

The robe represents status and power. The white seamless robe
symbolises innocence, spiritual purity, wisdom and holiness. It suggests
warmth, love and protection, either physical or emotional or, the spiritual
protection of faith. The blue robe is a symbol of peace and purity, and the
colour of the Virgin Mary. It is associated with meditation, dreams,
contemplation, introspection and desire.

Palms are associated with relaxation and unwinding. The people of

Mesopotamia believed that the world axis passed through a palm tree.

Pomegranates have often been associated with fertility, symbolising the

womb, but also death. In Greece, a pomegranate is broken on the ground at
weddings and on the New Year as a symbol of fertility and abundance. In
Hebrew belief, the pomegranate was the fruit that led to the fall of Adam and
Eve. Therefore, it is strongly identified with sexual temptation, but also with
unity, and linked to fertility, love and marriage.

On the whole the High Priestess card has a strong connection with the moon,
and symbolises the feminine force and insight. It is telling us to tune into our
own intuition in order to attain the energy that will connect us with the hidden
knowledge that is needed to find the answers to our questions. This card is
advising us to nurture our spiritual wisdom and knowledge and to develop our
psychic abilities. It is urging us to go beyond our everyday awareness and
search the depths of our subconscious, possibly through meditation, and
become receptive to our spiritual side. This may guide us to a belief system
that will enable us to see something, possibly of future things to come, that we

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may not be able to put into words, but we will intuitively know and understand
the information that we are being given.

The High Priestess is associated with the number two, which symbolises
duality and balance and the polarity of opposing forces, such as Yin and
Yang, man and woman, light and dark, spirit and matter, and so on. It is the
first feminine number and represents the nurturing of the seed that was
planted by the energy of the number one, similar to the womb. It is passive,
intuitive, receptive and emotional, and represents the drive for harmony and
balance.

Astrologically, the High Priestess is ruled by the Moon, and represents the
mother, feelings, instincts, changeable moods, the feminine principle of
anima, and fertility. It is concerned with our inner emotions, reactions,
responses and habitual behaviour. It represents the mothers or mother figures
in our lives, and also the home, security and the care of those who need us.
The moon is connected with our imagination, intuition, psychic powers and
dreaming, and is particularly associated with women, fertility and birth. Even
though the moon has no light of its own, it is a great reflector and manifests
the qualities of receptivity that is necessary for the intuitive process and for
experiencing feelings. It reflects the way we respond emotionally and
intuitively to situations, and how our attitudes govern aspects of our everyday
life. In short, it is about what we know intuitively, and how we think or feel
about things.

Interpretation
The High Priestess often appears in a spread when you are starting new
training or learning, or how to manage a new system of approach to a
situation or idea. It is a time when you will need to try to extract your hidden
potential and unseen talents, or where you need to pay attention to your
subconscious feelings. This card is suggesting that you overcome your own
self doubts, trust your hunches and intuition, and listen to your heart and that

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little inner voice to guide you when making important decisions. Don’t take
things at face value because your instincts are probably right. Work at
developing your abilities and spiritual side, and open up to your intuitive
potential, and you may soon realise that a secret or hidden aspect of
something presents itself to you, leaving you feeling that you have been
helped and guided by what you discover.

You may be entering a learning phase and may be interested in getting in

touch with that side of yourself which is dark and mysterious, or subjects on
the paranormal or the occult, and perhaps someone will appear to teach you
about these hidden mysteries. Any studies will go well and you will feel a
sense of self-worth. However, you need to be careful and aware when you are
exploring the hidden aspects of the psyche, and you will need to use your
intuition to decipher between which is the truth and which is deception.

This card also suggests that there are papers or paperwork that you could
profit from, probably concerning finances, payments or time schedules,
perhaps you are waiting for results of some kind, or maybe there will be a
pleasant surprise concerning a problem that has been bothering you. You
may find yourself thinking about incidents and memories belonging to the
past, as if you are guarding some knowledge, but the High Priestess suggests
that you should keep your own and other people’s secrets.

This is a gestation period and changes are taking place, so make time for
yourself and look for you own personal fulfilment, rather than what other
people think will be successful for you. A situation that seems to be running
smoothly may need a little more thought before you take action, but soon you
will have a new release of energy and be able to tackle the problems with
ease. This card also signifies that someone who is honest, maybe a friend,
will have some worthwhile advice for you.

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Negative
You may be troubled, frustrated or upset over a tedious time consuming or
unpleasant job situation. Perhaps you are not leaving enough time for yourself
because you are so preoccupied with work or your career. Someone,
probably female, for some reason may be feeling jealous and destructive
towards you, and whispering to others behind your back. Home does not feel
like a refuge anymore, so this would be a good time to get out and about, and
let them all get on with it. You may be disappointed with having to wait, and
with people who promise and do not deliver the goods. The High Priestess
can also imply loss of control and hysterical outbursts.

People
Mature or experienced women that have an inborn or obtained knowledge of
life. A mother, a woman in a high-ranking job, or a woman of influence
because of her expertise, her qualities or social status. Those who have
developed intuitive awareness and psychological insight. Those learning
about their feelings. Those who trust their inner voice and hunches. Those
who have secrets, hidden issues and hidden talents. Those who are learning
through books, further education or training.

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 3 The Empress

Astrological Influence: Venus

Key words and phrases: Prosperity. Creativity.

Productivity. Wealth. Wellbeing. Giving birth. Nurturing
and caring for others Sentimental nature. Practicality.
Union. Synthesis. Giving and receiving pleasure.
Sensuality. Motivation. Doing physical activity.
Continued growth. Material comfort. Receiving lavish
reward. Status. Focusing on the body. Feeling
vibrantly healthy. Social standing. Abundance. Having
more than enough. Appreciating beauty. Physical love and affection. Relating
to plants and animals. Feeling connected to the earth. Feminine sexuality.
Basic needs comfortably met. Marriage. Gain. Fertility. Pregnancy. Maternal
instincts. Nurturing. Willingness to help others. Birth. Motherhood. Feet firmly
planted on the ground; Successful results of hard work. Fulfilled potential.
Good fortune.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck the Empress depicts a dignified woman sitting on a
cushioned throne in a fertile garden. She wears a crown embellished with a
cluster of twelve stars and a white robe decorated with flowers, and holds a
sceptre indicating that she has power and authority. Her heart-shaped shield
is inscribed with the astrological symbol of Venus. In the foreground is a field
of corn and a waterfall behind her that is surrounded by trees. The Empress is
pregnant and represents that everything is born of the Mother.

The crown is an indication of high status, and elaborate head-dress have

been worn for thousands of years, from the feathered head-dress of the
Native American chief to the jewelled crown of the monarch. Symbolically, it
suggests the acknowledgement of our success, and to recognise that we
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have many opportunities to expand our knowledge and awareness. The
crown can also represent honour of some kind, triumph and dedication to
duty.

The twelve stars symbolise universal fulfilment. It is the number of the Tribes
of Israel and Christ’s disciples. There are also twelve gates to the City of
Jerusalem, and the “Tree of Life” bore twelve fruits. The twelve stars also
relate to the zodiac and the twelve months of the year, representing a
complete cycle.

The robe is also a symbol of status and power and is still used today, like the
robes of state decorated with white ermine, and the judicial, ecclesiastical and
academic dignitaries.

The flowers on the Empress’s robe represent feelings of pleasure and

beauty. They suggest that a feeling or ability is beginning to come into being,
and there is a freshness of what we are doing. The red colour of the flowers
is linked with love and fertility, and signifies vitality, strength, dynamism, life,
sensuality and power. They are also associated with pleasure, beauty and
relaxation, and denote giving and receiving.

The sceptre was originally a male fertility symbol. It implies royal or divine
power and has been used as a symbol of imperial or royal position. The
Empress holds the sceptre vertically, which represents the spiritual link
between the higher and lower worlds.

The Venus symbol on her shield represents love, harmony, union and beauty.
In Roman mythology Venus was the goddess of beauty, love, gardens and
springs. Originally she was the Italian goddess of vegetation but was adopted
into the Roman pantheon and given the attributes of the Greek goddess
Aphrodite.

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The shield symbolises protection and liberation, and was part of a knight’s
badge of honour and identification.

The corn is associated with summer, harvest, fertility and fruitfulness. It is

used to symbolise human fertility, and also represents new life or new
developments in other ways and reaping the rewards of our labour. In Greek
myth Demeter was the goddess of agriculture, corn and fertility. It is said that
she had sexual intercourse with Iasion in a ploughed field and produced
Platus. She also punished Erysichthon with perpetual hunger when he cut
down a tree in her sacred grove.

The waterfall is often taken to represent an orgasm, or any display of emotion

that is powerful and yet under control. It can also suggest some kind of
spiritual cleansing. The waterfall represents our ability to create new life in
response to our desires, and signifies peace and comfort or going with the
flow.

A pregnancy can signify ideas, projects and plans for the future. It suggests
new beginnings or a major event that will bring immense changes and
responsibility. Pregnancies represent ambitious plans and projects that we
feel will need nurturing and bringing to life. It can also mean that a waiting
period is necessary for something, possibly the completion of a project.
Perhaps we need to be patient and wait for the natural process to take place
in order to fulfil a task. Obviously it can indicate the birth of a child for either
someone close to us or ourselves. In Egyptian myth, Hathor was a mother-
goddess, and goddess of childbirth, fertility, joy, love, marriage, music and the
sky. It is said that she breast-fed the Pharaohs and greeted the souls entering
the underworld.

The trees symbolise steady growth, age, experience, time and continuity.
They are a symbol of life and creation. The oak, for example, is a symbol of
longevity, strength, reliability and resilience. The roots symbolise the provision

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of wisdom from our collective experience and may indicate how we feel about
our own roots.

The Mother Goddess was all-powerful and was identified with nature and the
earth. She was believed to be the creator of limitless fertility and abundance
that fed and sustained life, but she could also destroy and demanded respect
as part of nature’s regenerative cycle of birth, growth, death and rebirth. The
earth was worshipped in ancient times as the supreme mother-goddess and
was believed to be both alive and divine. Mother Earth was a figure of great
compassion and the source of all life and fertility. Paleolithic images of the
mother-goddess have been found dating back 40,000 years.

On the whole the Empress symbolises fertility and new life, and represents
the abundance of nature, fertility and growth. This card is about caring,
mothering and birth, and embodies marriage and motherhood. It reminds us
that everything moves in cycles from birth to death to rebirth, and indicates
the birth of a child or the birth of a new project. The Empress is suggesting
that we have the power to live and multiply, and is urging us to put some
passion into our dreams and our creative potential. She denotes the fertile
and creative power of the feminine, and the devotion and nurturing that is
required before anything can be brought to fruition. There is a strong sense of
wellbeing with this card, she is protected, secure and emotionally fulfilled. This
card is suggesting that we take on some of her characteristics and go with the
flow. It is also advising that we secure a solid base on which to build a secure
future.

The Empress’s card number is three and relates to the bringing together of
opposites to create something new. It expresses all aspects of creation, such
as birth, life and death; past, present and future; and mind, body and soul.
The number three is a creative number and represents creative enterprise
and growth, and all that is active and fertile. It also suggests material benefits
from a fruitful harvest.

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The astrological influence of the Empress is the planet Venus, which relates
to our emotions and motivations. Venus denotes the desire to achieve
harmony in relationships, and indicates opportunities for advancement,
acclaim and popularity through an agreeable and helpful nature. Emotionally,
Venus has a very friendly and romantic influence that often leads to marriage,
especially if the planet has an influence in a male’s horoscope. It symbolises
success in artistic and creative pursuits, which will lead to improving the
financial situation so that we are able to obtain the comforts and luxuries that
we desire. Venus also denotes the birth of a child, and work on the home,
such as redecorating or refurbishing. Good health usually comes with the
influence of this planet through the freedom of worry because of its affect with
harmonious thinking.

The Empress represents the Mother archetype and our experience with
mothering, nurturing, emotions, and our creative impulse.

Interpretation
When the Empress is in a reading a creative and productive phase is about to
happen, and it is time to express your creative instincts. Your influence will
achieve something that will lead to growth and prosperity in all aspects of your
life. This card signifies that you can improve your circumstances by drawing
on your own wisdom, understanding, strength and creativity, to bring stability
and harmony into your everyday life. In your working life you are directed
towards creative pursuits, such as art, sculpture, writing or anything
associated with beauty, or the caring profession, such as nursing, maternity
care, childcare, or care for the elderly. If you use your talents wisely and
responsibly then your efforts and achievements will be rewarded, and result in
a better standard of living, which will lead to good fortune and financial
security, enabling you to surround yourself with material comforts.

This card suggests that you will have successful and creative partnerships in
both business and personal relationships. You are warm and loving and your

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personal relationships will be filled with joy and contentment. Maybe you are
in love and want to make a commitment to your partner and are about to
make arrangements to marry. Sexual relationships are satisfying and there
may be news of a pregnancy or a birth, and all will go well if you are pregnant,
but if you are not it indicates that someone around you could be. However, it
warns that you should take extra care if you don’t plan to have a baby just yet.
You are a good homemaker and your creativity urges you to make your home
a more beautiful place, perhaps you are thinking of redecorating or
refurbishing your home or maybe thinking of moving into a larger house,
possibly in the countryside, or at the least with a garden. A stage of personal
fulfilment is being reached and you are enjoying the simple pleasures of life,
you may have a love for nature, such as the countryside, gardening or even
growing your own food.

If you have been ill you are now entering a recovery period and will soon get
better, so it is time to pamper and take care of yourself. A strong need for
emotional wellbeing will be fulfilled as you begin to tune into your inner
feelings and emotions. Listen to your feelings or instincts and open your heart
and mind to the powers of your intuition, and learn to trust them more. You
are happy with your life and something is about to come to fruition, maybe
there is something that you have kept a secret for a while and now you are
motivated to tell others about it.

The Empress is a competent woman who feels safe and secure, she has
sincere feelings, is kind and helpful but can be a little self-indulgent.
Therefore, this card is suggesting that you take on some of these qualities
and encourage those who need your support. By all means be generous with
your time, however, deter others from becoming too dependent on you, and
without feeling guilty don’t give too much to others either. It also suggests a
woman who embodies these principles and may become a role model for you.
Focus on being rather than doing, relax and enjoy yourself.

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Negative
You have a lost your influence through your emotions becoming unstable or
through a lack of affection because you are not mixing with others, or because
of your lazy and unenthusiastic behaviour resulting from self-indulgence.
There may be a loss of material comforts due to reduced financial
circumstances. Financial resources may have deteriorated due to spending
extravagantly on luxuries. Perhaps there is sorrow because of a broken
relationship, maybe you are attracting those who can’t live in harmony, or
attract those who take advantage of your warm and loving nature. There may
be sexual difficulties, maybe impotence or frigidity, or you are having a
sterilisation or vasectomy, or an unwanted child may be conceived. There is
something missing or lacking in your life, or you want to find something
creative and meaningful to do, but do not know where to start.

People
A wife, mother or sister. A woman who exerts an influence or power over an
achievement, a material creation, or a specific area of work. Those connected
with music, painting, acting and other artistic pursuits. Those engaged in
trades that cater for the pleasure of the public or for personal adornment, such
as dress designers, beauticians, manufacturers of clothing accessories,
florists, hairdressers and confectioners. For a man, it is the woman of his
dreams.

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 4 The Emperor

Astrological Influence: Aries

Keywords and phrases: Taking a leadership role. A

man of influence. Practical and realistic. Dealing with
authority. Being in a position of control. Structure.
Stability. Strength. The drive for achievement.
Exerting control. Success. Commanding. The impulse
to create something of lasting value. Establishing law
and order. Regulation. Applying rules and guidelines.
Setting direction. Rational thought. Ambition. Security.
Applying reason. Firmness. Co-ordinating. Commanding. Confidence.
Wisdom. Sticking to a plan. Logic. Setting direction and tone. Creating order
out of chaos. Uses head over heart. Self-control. Confidence. Completion.
Certainty. Common sense. Achievement. Organisation. Recognition.
Authoritative. Material wealth. Setting standards of behaviour. A job
promotion. Working within the legal system. Establishing a project on firm a
foundation. Establishing a family line. Rational understanding. Government.

Symbolic Meaning
In most Tarot decks the Emperor has a beard, and is shown wearing a crown
and sat on a throne adorned with rams’ heads. In his right hand he holds a
sceptre with the Ankh cross, and in his left hand he holds the globe of
dominion. He is clothed in regal robes, under which he wears medieval
armour. In the background there are mountains with a reddish tinge.

The Emperor’s beard is an important aspect of the male symbolism and

represents wisdom, dignity, virility and sovereignty. It signifies the need to
consider the more masculine attributes in ourselves and others. It can also
mean deceit and insincerity, so we must guard against concealment, secrecy
and deceit. The beard was the sign of the king, and in ancient Egypt
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beardless rulers, including women, were depicted with false beards to
proclaim their status.

The throne is a seat of power and authority in both terrestrial and spiritual
realm. It is a traditional symbol of sovereignty, divine authority and power. The
throne is a symbol that acknowledges our right to take authority, and can
represent our ability to belong to groups, or to society.

The rams’ heads on the throne are a symbol of masculine power, strength
and authority, and associated with the astrological zodiac sign of Aries. They
are symbols of solar energy and represent renewal, fertility and the return to
spring. They also symbolise virility, zeal, passion and obstinacy.

The sceptre is a symbol of authority and rulership. It was originally a male

fertility symbol, and now implies royal or divine power and has been used as a
symbol of imperial or sovereign position. The sceptre can represent our right
to use our authority, and also signifies the transference of divine power from
above to below.

The Ankh cross that is attached to the sceptre was an ancient Egyptian
hieroglyph for life and immortality. It symbolises the union of Heaven and
Earth, and carried to symbolise the powers over life and death.

The globe or orb was first used by the Roman Emperors to show their
dominion over the world. It was a power symbol of the gods or imperial rulers,
and a symbol of totality. The globe or orb suggests that we can develop a
much more worldly aware perspective. We have certain powers within us that
enable us to create a sustainable future for all, and for this to happen we need
to have a wider understanding and perspective of the world.

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The robe or cloak can suggest warmth and love, but also protection. This
protection can either be physical or emotional, or the spiritual protection of
faith. It also suggests status and power.

The medieval armour symbolised the knightly virtues of courage, protection,

honour and strength. It signifies chivalry and the need to protect or be
protected, possibly from something that we feel is threatening us. It could also
be a stubbornness that prevents us from moving into new situations.

The red mountains are a symbol of obstacles and challenges to be

overcome. They also symbolise transcendence, eternity, purity and spiritual
ascent. They are associated with immortals, heroes, sanctified prophets and
gods. The red colour is associated with energy, fire, passion, love, sex, anger
and danger. In all they suggest that we have the vitality, strength and
dynamism needed to overcome our obstacles and challenges to achieve our
goals.

The Emperor and Empress are together as a couple, as were Mars and
Venus. The Empress and Venus represent the female aspect and are
receptive and nurturing, and the Emperor and Mars represent the male side of
our nature and are dynamic and extrovert.

The Emperor has similarities to Zeus in Greek mythology. Zeus was a

supreme god, rain-god and sky-god, and in human form was depicted wearing
a crown of laurel leaves, seated on a throne and holding a sceptre. As a
supreme god he symbolised male power and authority for both divine and
human worlds. He led the gods in the war against the Titans, and after a ten-
year struggle the gods were victorious, then he and his brothers shared the
world between them. Pluto took the underworld, Poseidon took the sea, and
Zeus took the earth and the heavens.

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On the whole, the Emperor card signifies our inner control, discipline,
willpower, and the need to have control over our own domain, and the
capability to analyse and think rationally. It is about our ability to make difficult
and important decisions, and our capability to drive forward with a direct and
firm attitude and put them into action. It represents our moral behaviour and
the rules by which we live our lives. This card signifies our ambition and
motivation for status, material wealth and security. It is suggesting that we
have the ability to create order out of chaos by being creative with our ideas,
and transforming them into something solid and practicable. If we are
motivated then we have the energy to take control of our situations, but we
must be aware that we will have to work within a structure, and will need to
set boundaries within that structure.

However, the Emperor can be stubborn and critical, and he can focus on his
objectives without any concern or regard for anything or anyone and at times
can be impulsive and have fits of temper. The Emperor card often indicates
the father figure or boss, so it could represent someone in authority that may
be of service to us to help us to structure our plans. It could also be someone
we can depend on when we are in difficulty.

The Emperor card is the number four and is related to the four seasons, the
four elements and the four phases of the moon, and in Christianity the four
Evangelists. In Pythagorean theory it represents perfection and in Native
American belief symbolises harmony. Its symbolism is connected to both the
cross and the square, suggesting balance, order, stability and solidity and
security, but also restrictions and limitations. This number is the foundation on
which we build for the future through our sense, reason, logical thinking,
control and systematic work.

The astrological influence for the Emperor is Aries, which is the sign of action,
energy, enthusiasm, anticipation, command and sometimes audacity. Arians
always plan ahead and pursue their goals with great determination. This is the

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sign of leaders and warriors. However, even though they are full of energy,
they usually charge ahead with little regard for themselves or others. They are
honest and direct but tend not to think before they speak or take action.
Arians will excel in any job in which they can organise, express themselves
and are able to use their intellectual powers. They can be very passionate,
and an Aries man will look for a strong partner. The Emperor represents the
Father archetype and our experience with authority, reason and logic.

Interpretation
When the Emperor appears in a spread, it indicates that you may have the
opportunity to play a more powerful role, or take control of a situation that
could develop into a very successful future.

You have the confidence and ambition to reach your goals and you want to
make your mark on the world. This power and authority is based on your
experience, so aim high and go for what you want. Be prepared to take the
lead because you are a natural leader. You will find yourself in a position that
could be financially rewarding, however, you will have to keep control by
being alert and putting in the effort, but your natural wisdom will bring balance
to your judgements and decisions.

New or untried ideas may be put to the test that will involve you having to take
on more responsibility, and other people may also be looking to you for
direction. Perhaps you are going to be offered a promotion or some kind of
acknowledgement that gives you a higher status, or maybe you are starting
your own business or company, either way it will improve your earnings.
However, if you prefer to be the boss or be in a job where you are in control,
you will need to develop a structure and a resolve to work by.

In your relationships you take a mature and practical approach, but find it
difficult to express your emotions very often because you like to keep them in
control. The Emperor also relates to someone close to you who is protective

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and has a strong character, perhaps it could be your partner, boss or father,
or it could be a man who will be a great influence on everything that is
happening around you. It is a person that you will be able to turn to for advice
and support. Sometimes this card suggests someone who can be aggressive
or stubborn, so don’t be pressured or bullied by anyone who is strongly
critical, especially males or authority figures.

You are in a strong and solid position, so it is time to put your plans into action
in order to reach your goals and achieve success. Be more practical and
responsible, use your intelligence and reason, stick to your principles, and
things will go better than you think.

Negative
There may be difficulties resulting from recklessness, undue haste or ill-
applied energy and initiative. There may be a feeling of hostility or domestic
strife arising from your own aggressiveness, assertiveness or ill-controlled
passions. If you are in a management or leadership position, you may be
about to lose some of your authority. Someone is behaving sly, insensitive
and unreliable, and may be using you. Maybe you are dealing with someone
who is putting on an act and is not all that they seem. Perhaps you are
wasting too much energy by taking action without thinking, and are finding
that your work is not as successful as you thought it might be, or you can’t be
bothered to put in the effort and are evading your responsibilities and not
finishing your projects and plans.

People
Those exercising personal initiative and enterprise. Those who are assertive
and pioneering. Those working in connection with engineering, salesmanship,
art, politics, the armed forces, or legal profession. Those capable of amicable
cooperation in business. Those who can bring quarrels to a peaceful end.
Those engaging in political activities. A father, a male partner, or brother.
Those who are in your life now, or those who enter your life, and are

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protective, strong, worldly and authoritative. Those who are trustworthy, solid,
and dependable, and who you can turn to for advice and encouragement.

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 5 The Hierophant

Astrological Influence: Taurus

Key words and phrases: An official ceremony. The

establishment. Moral requirements. Professional
advice. Teaching. Learning. Preference for tradition.
Conformity. Established codes of behaviour and
belief. A search for meaning. Places of worship.
Attendance at a wedding or religious service. Rites
that link with tradition of a community.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck the Hierophant or Pope is seated on a throne between two
pillars. He wears a triple-layered crown and holds a triple cross sceptre in his
left hand, while his right hand gives the ecclesiastical sign of benediction. At
his feet are the crossed keys and two monks or priests kneeling before him,
wearing albs decorated with white lilies and red roses.

The throne symbolises the seat of power in both the temporal and spiritual
world. In the ancient world of architecture the pillars were associated with
temporal and spiritual authority, and also have an esoteric connection in
Jewish belief.

The triple-layered crown indicates high status and leading authority in the
ecclesiastical and spiritual world, and depicts the Hierophant’s spiritual power,
temporal power, and the power he has over the sovereignty on Earth.

The triple cross represents the ability to combine the material, physical and
spiritual aspects of life. It suggests that we may need to merge our religious or
spiritual requirements with the more mundane areas of our lives.

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The sceptre is a symbol of authority and rulership, and is a link that
represents embracing spirit between the higher and lower worlds. It describes
the movement from above to below, from Heaven to Earth, and from the nadir
to the zenith, and vice versa.

The sign of benediction signifies that we are given favour from heaven, and
have the go ahead to search for a spiritual or religious meaning to our lives.

The crossed keys symbolise the keys to heaven and earth that Christ gave
to St Peter. The Church adopted keys as symbols of authority, and the papal
coat of arms shows two keys, one silver key and one gold key. They are a
symbol of spiritual and worldly authority, and of giving access to sacred and
temporal wealth. Keys signify unlocking the door to transient and spiritual
power, and it was said that they were adopted from the Roman god Janus.

In Greek mythology, Janus was the two-faced god of beginnings, dawn,

doors, gateways and travel. He saved Rome from the attacking Sabines by
creating a spring of boiling water at the gateway. The two doors on his temple
in Rome were only closed when the nation was not at war. It was said that he
had one young face and one old face and is depicted carrying a key and a
rod, and some people regard Janus as a pre-Latin deity who was adopted into
the Roman pantheon.

The monks or priests represent the inner awareness of a belief system, and
the side of ourselves that has developed a code of behaviour, and maybe a
change of attitude, belief or awareness. They signify that it is time to access
the inner truth or spirituality that we all possess, and take responsibility for our
lives.

In Christianity, white lilies symbolise purity and chastity, and also purity in
alchemy. They are said to have grown from the tears of Eve after she left the
Garden of Eden. They are also the flowers of the Virgin Mary.

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Again in Christianity, red roses symbolise the blood of martyrs and life after
death. A sect founded in Europe in the 15th century called the Rosicrucian
Brotherhood combined the symbol of the rose with the cross to form the
emblem of their society.

The Hierophant is the ruling power of external religion and the spiritual
domain. He represents the handing down of established teachings, and the
need for order and awareness of our inner self, and contact with our spiritual
side. He is the Pope, the supreme pontiff.

In ancient Greek lore “hierophant” was a word for a priest who was an official
interpreter of sacred mysteries and esoteric principles. The Pope is the
Pontifex Maximus, and is the head of the principal college of priests in Rome.
The word pontifex means “builder of bridges,” therefore the Hierophant is
making a connection to guide us to the divine or the spiritual and leads us to
enlightenment and the truth.

This card reflects our desire to search for the meaning to things in order to
become more connected within ourselves and become more aware of the
world around us. It describes the inner feeling that we all have when we say,
“there must be more to life than this,” and sooner or later we start to follow a
different path to enable us to feel more whole. The Hierophant is about our
desire to find a balance between our temporal and spiritual urges. He
represents the need to find a spiritual meaning to our lives.

He is associated with the number five, indicating matter (bodily, corporeal

substance), perception (feelings, intuition), impression (awareness, sensory
powers), action (ideas, psychic and instinctive activity), and knowledge
(intelligence, understanding and wisdom). The number five signifies spiritual
power, inner wisdom and mental ability, and also the ability to combine
information. It represents activity and seeks constant change and variety, and

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also uses experience to put things into action. The number five influences the
need for social contact, education, ideas and communication with others.

According to Hindu belief and doctrine, mental awareness leads to self-

knowledge (sixth sense), which brings together all the qualities and powers of
the five senses to form their quintessence, developing into a kind of
perceptive, extrasensory power.

The Hierophant’s astrological influence is in the sign of Taurus. This places a

focus on our material, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual resources, and
the way we would be able to shape them in order to strengthen our position.
Taurus brings opportunities for improving our financial position and for adding
to our material possessions. He has an influence on building the foundation of
some enterprise, increasing our mental resources by analysing and probing
into the physical laws of the universe, multiplying spiritual resources by
acquiring a knowledge of the secret laws underlying the universe, achieving
regeneration, undertaking study, and research requiring intense application.
Taurus is methodical and steady and likes to have order in everything around
him. He is warm-hearted, loyal and loving, and functions best in a steady,
stable environment. His need for security and material comfort encourages
him to preserve things rather than destroy them. He is full of common sense,
a good listener, and provides a good shoulder to cry on as well as giving
practical advice.

Interpretation
The Hierophant often appears in a spread when you are having difficulties
with other people or when you are not happy with your life, and are searching
for answers to your problems. It may be asking you to look beyond your
differences if you are having conflict with a friend or a loved one, and try to
understand what draws you towards each other. If you are going through
difficulty or a critical situation that you would rather not deal with, you will be
able to sort it out or someone could come to guide and support you, maybe a

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teacher, mentor, confidant, therapist or a counsellor. This person may
possibly be an older man who you could confide in, he may give you good
advice and open your mind to look at the situation from a different angle. He
may also support you with any references that you may need to put forward
for job applications or courses you want to apply for.

You are searching for truth, understanding, new ways of thinking and new
opportunities, and suggests that you need to look deep inside yourself for
answers of a spiritual or philosophical nature, and also urges you to combine
your spiritual or religious needs with the more mundane areas of your life. You
might be drawn to a subject based on your growing spiritual awareness to
achieve a meaningful structure to your life, however, you will have to follow
the conventional or traditional route in learning, training or attaining wisdom to
develop a spiritual path as there are no easy short cuts.

Perhaps you want to belong to something or look for your own path rather
than follow the one that society has laid out for you, but for some reason you
are holding on to old outdated thoughts and ways. Do not be afraid to be
unconventional if your spiritual desire takes you in a different direction, get rid
of memories of past failures, feelings of loss, old routine, and people who
criticised you in the past, and move into the new and unknown to find new
opportunities.

You are going to gain insight into something or a situation that has been a
mystery or previously been obscured, and you may gain some unexpected
assistance.

Maybe you are a person of tradition and dislike any disruptions in your life,
and you may like regular routine even to the time you eat your meals. You
may believe in the traditional elements of marriage and you want your role to
be clearly defined, because you have always had a structure to whatever you
were taught.

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The Hierophant also indicates that you like to be held in high esteem by your
peers, but do not necessarily like to conform to their rules and regulations.
However, there may be a situation where you will have to be careful and
thorough and play by the rules, and also look at your own behaviour before
telling others how to behave, so it is advising you not to do anything to upset
or annoy others. Perhaps you need to take a different approach when you are
faced with a choice rather than automatically going down the same old path,
or you may need to learn how to operate in a new way and develop more
strength of will. This card can signify attending a wedding or some other
church ceremony. It can also suggest new keys to a property, possibly a new
home, or new business premises.

Negative
There may be financial losses or illness through neglecting or foolishly
wasting your resources or energy. You may be involved with someone whose
behaviour is irritating and self-indulgent, and showing tolerance to his/her
behaviour is annoying you. You may be feeling stifled by rules and regulations
and feel you need to break out, instead of following the tradition or path that
society has laid out for you. You are having some conflict with principal or
critical people and finding it hard to communicate effectively or put your ideas
across. Maybe you are being prevented from moving forward by those in
authority. Get a second opinion when seeking advice, titles or letters after a
name does not mean that you are getting the right information. Put your foot
down, and stop being too easygoing, and allowing other people to get away
with things that are not right.

People
Those who have some form of spiritual authority. Those with a good
knowledge of human nature. A man who has influence and holds important
responsibilities and position. Those who are knowledgeable, wise and
experienced in life. Those you can confide in. Good advisers. Those who
would give you their support. Those you could ask for a reference or approval.

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Those who are in a high-powered position, such as an ecclesiastic, a doctor,
a politician and a judge.

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 6 The Lovers

Astrological Influence: Gemini

Key words and phrases: Choice. A new relationship.

An important decision. Temptation. Reviewing an
important relationship. A desire to share your life with
another person. Torn between two lovers.
Commitment. Choosing which path to follow.
Marriage. Union.

Symbolic Meaning
The Lovers card is a representation of human love. The illustration depicts a
naked man and woman standing in a garden with the sun shining over a
winged figure hovering above them. Behind the female figure is the Tree of
the Knowledge of good and evil with the serpent coiled around it. Behind the
male figure is the Tree of Life whose branches bear twelve flames, which may
represent the signs of the zodiac.

The sun is a dominant symbol of creative energy, vitality, passion, courage,

knowledge, intellect, truth and eternally renewed youth. It suggests
happiness, warmth and conscious awareness, and symbolises the energy that
we have.

The winged figure signifies a Guardian Angel (possibly Raphael the

Archangel), who gives the couple his blessing. Raphael is the archangel of
healing and travellers. He wears the colours of early morning sunlight, and
emanates green or yellow rays. The Archangel Raphael is an agent through
which the will of God is delivered. Archangels are said to be androgynous,
they bring loving kindness, protection and divine messages to humanity. They
are also associated with Mercury or the sun.
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The two naked figures standing in a garden has a connection with Adam and
Eve in the Garden of Eden. The story of Adam and Eve represents them as
being a couple of innocents who were totally unaware of their differences,
sexuality, good or evil. When they ate the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge,
which was forbidden by God, they gained a moral sense of good and bad, and
became responsible for the corruption of human nature.

Nudity is linked with innocence and with the desire to be open and honest.
However, it can relate to our self-image or self-expression, and the need to be
seen for what we are, and not for what is assumed or communicated by the
imagery of our mind.

The Tree of the Knowledge is so called because it bears the “fruit of

knowledge,” whether it is the knowledge of good or evil, or of life, wisdom or
immortality.

The serpent or snake represents uncontrolled passion and suggests

temptation, but also signifies our search for our spiritual nature. The snake
has Satanic characteristics as depicted in the story of Adam and Eve,
however, the Nassene Gnostics, who concerned themselves with esoteric
mystical knowledge, honoured the snake as a liberating influence who helped
to make Adam and Eve fully human by introducing them to the Tree of the
Knowledge. According to Jung, snakes symbolise all that is totally
subconscious and instinctive, which can come into conflict with conscious
attitudes. However, the subconscious and instinct borders on spiritual and
unique wisdom, therefore, the snake can symbolise both evil and wisdom that
overrides human morality.

The Tree of Life is a universal symbol of creation. It has its branches in the
heavens, its trunk in our earthly world, and its roots in the waters of the
underworld. It is seen as a way of accessing the mysteries of our spiritual life
and our relationship with God, and links heaven to the earth.

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On the whole, the naked couple suggests the youth, purity, innocence and
love, before Eve tempted Adam with the apple, and contaminating life with
material desire. Alas, the concept of original sin was born. We all have to face
making important choices in our lives. However, the Lovers suggest that our
choices should not be made lightly, as there is often more at stake than we
realise. When we enter into a relationship we are attempting to unite
opposites. These two polarities must be gently brought together for harmony
to prevail. We all have different traits, whether positive or negative, or some
that we are even unaware of, until it is mirrored in our partners. When these
aspects of our character are echoed back to us, we then become more self-
aware of our traits. We must also be consciously aware of our choices and
decisions, if not, complications could result if we choose wrongly. Therefore,
self-awareness equips us to take responsibility for our decisions and enables
us to become whole. Sometimes this card refers to a choice between two
distinct paths that will need a decision as to which direction we take in life,
whether it concerns our love life, job, travel, or any other path in life, which will
mean our lives will change forever upon our decision.

The number six is associated with the Lovers, and is related to the six-pointed
star, which signifies harmony and balance, and is a symbol of union and
equilibrium. Six relates to our feelings and emotions, giving and caring, and
looking after the health of others.

Gemini is the astrological influence of this card, which is the sign of

adaptability, flexibility, intelligence, eloquence and communication. They are
sociable and light-hearted, although they can be changeable and too easily
influenced. Gemini focuses on our immediate environment and all the physical
and mental processes by which we determine our relation to it, such as
communication, family and education. It brings opportunities for travel,
improving our standard of education, ability to attain honours, writing and
publishing. Gemini also leads us to activity in transport, communication,
spreading ideas, recording facts and with foreign countries. It denotes events

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in the lives of brothers, sisters, close neighbours or friends. Gemini also
signifies opposites and duality, and is associated with contact, communication
and the intellect.

Interpretation
You need to think very carefully about something, and make up your mind as
to which direction you want to take. Perhaps you have a crucial decision or
choice to make, and are torn between your head and your heart because it is
probably to do with a relationship. Possibly there are choices in love and an
element of sacrifice is involved, for example, you might have to choose
between two different people or you are with someone who will not make a
commitment, or you are seeing someone who is already in another
relationship. You will have to weigh up the pros and cons of these decisions
because the consequences could have a profound impact. Maybe things are
not going according to plan and you are feeling trapped because you are in a
dead-end situation or marriage, and feel that you have sacrificed your ideals
or dreams, and now you wonder what on earth you are doing in this situation.
In this scenario, this is probably a good time have a heart-to-heart talk and
then decide whether you want to carry on or move in a different direction. You
may even have a conflict between choosing a spiritual path and earthly
passion.

Whatever your choice or decision you are being offered a chance to get back
on the right path, and you are likely to find the answer you want by listening to
your intuition, rather than from outside sources. There might be unavoidable
situations, or predicaments as a result of another, but you will come to the
right conclusion when you have made your choice. Follow your heart.

On a brighter note, there may be happiness and harmony in your love life, and
life in general. Perhaps it is the beginning of a romantic partnership, and there
are bonds of mutual affection, attraction, desire and love. Maybe you have a
new lover in your life, or a current love is growing stronger and stronger by the

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day, or a love that had gone off the boil has suddenly become fired with
passion. In business, joint ventures and partnerships will be profitable. You
will receive financial backing and any investments will be protected. Whatever
the situation, changes in relationships inevitably mean choices have to be
made.

Negative
There may be unfortunate changes in your career or an upset in the family
circle, due to your own restlessness or a lack of intelligent planning. Within a
relationship there maybe one partner is who controlling the other emotionally
or physically. Perhaps your love life has become boring or even non-existent.
Maybe you have discovered that your partner is having an affair. It could be
that you are separated from a lover and cannot put it out of your mind.
Perhaps there is trouble through slander or malicious gossip concerning your
relationship.

People
Those who are in love. Those who have to make a choice of the direction they
want to take with a situation or a relationship. A romantic partner. Those who
bring people together to recover or introduce a relationship, such as, a
marriage counsellor, a mediator, a dating agent and a singles club agent, or it
could be someone who has the qualities you lack. Those in jobs connected
with travel, communication, the spreading of ideas and recording of facts.

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 7 The Chariot

Astrological Influence: Cancer

Key words and phrases: Assistance in times of

need. Protection. Foresight. Conviction. Belief. Clear
purpose. Determination. Being able to carry on.
Initiative. Self-assertion. Willpower. Control. Conquest.
Success. Inner peace. Progress. Ambition. Mastery.
Courage. Skill. Energy to fight for a goal. Great effort.
Achievement. The drive for success. Self-control.
Sense of purpose. A journey. News. Winning. Victory
resulting from personal effort. Honours. Recognition. Control over conflicting
forces. Inner struggle. Self-discipline. Conflict of interests. Ability to stay on
top. Steering a middle course. Balancing conflicting emotions. Triumph over
obstacles. Charging ahead through struggle and conflict. Coming out on top.
Strength of will. Going with the flow. Transportation. Communications.
Vehicles. A new car.

Symbolic Meaning
The Chariot is a symbol of motion. In the Waite deck it is generally portrayed
as a princely man wearing armour, and driving a canopied chariot that is
being pulled in opposite directions by two different coloured sphinxes, one
black and one white. He carries a sceptre or staff in his right hand and wears
a crown on his head with an eight-pointed star attached to it. The crescent
moon shapes on his shoulders are possibly the Urim and Thurrim of the
Hebrew faith. The chariot is decorated with the winged sun disc representing
absolute power and control, that is only achieved when we overcome our
difficulties and control any conflict that is within us.

The armour is a symbol of courage, protection, honour and strength. It

signifies chivalry and the need to protect or be protected from something that
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is putting pressure on us. It can also mean that we are being inflexible with
some issue, which is stopping us from moving forward.

The canopy symbolises that we may have a need to draw attention to our
higher ideology and goals. It is associated with royal power and is a symbol of
heavenly protection, and also suggests shelter and love.

The chariot was a dynamic symbol of rulership in ancient iconography. It is

also a symbol of spiritual authority, and in moral allegory it is an image of the
triumphant journey of the spirit. Hindu mysticism associates the chariot as a
symbol of the Self.

The Greek sun god Helios rode his sun chariot across the sky from east to
west each day. The Greek Achilles killed Hector and violated his body by
dragging it round the city walls behind his chariot. Agni the Hindu god of fire
is said to have rode a chariot drawn by red horses. Surya, a Hindu sun god is
depicted as copper-bodied, three-eyed and four-armed, and riding a one-
wheeled chariot drawn by four or seven red or white horses.

The black and white sphinxes are a symbol of opposites and duality. They
signify that we need to have the ability to pull together the positive and
negative elements of our lives and bring them into unison to enable us to
steer a direct and positive path. Sphinxes symbolise vigilance, power,
wisdom and dignity.

In some areas of the Arab world black animals are regarded as unlucky.
However, in ancient Egypt, black was the colour of resurrection and eternal
life, and was an emblem of power and authority of the Muslim rulers
(Caliphate), in the 1st century AD. Therefore, the black sphinx suggests
materialisation, pessimism, and judgement. Whereas white is the colour of
light and is considered lucky, therefore, the white sphinx symbolises spiritual
purity, innocence and wisdom.

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The sceptre or staff symbolises royal power, authority and rulership.
Therefore it suggests that we can go ahead and use our abilities and qualities
with authority.

The crown is a symbol acknowledging our success, and opportunities that will
expand our knowledge and awareness. It suggests that we may be about to
receive an honour of some kind, and represents victory and dedication to
duty. The crown is identified with power, glory and devotion, and related to
the circle and ring representing perfection and continuity.

The eight-pointed star is usually referred to as the Morning and Evening

Star. It denotes hope, aspiration and ideal, and symbolises new beginnings
and rebirth.

Urim and Thurrim are the figures that were usually on the breastplate of a
Hebrew high priest, and a divine oracle in their faith that symbolised fire and
truth or light and perfection.

The winged sun disc goes way back to the pharaohs. In ancient Egypt the
king or pharaoh was believed to be a living manifestation of divinity, and was
associated with Horos, the falcon-headed sky god, and Re, who was
sometimes represented as a winged sun disc. This god-like status gave the
pharaoh absolute power, having control over the army, the priesthood and all
civil appointments. Therefore, the winged sun disc symbolises that we have
the power to control our own appointments in life. It is about triumph on all
planes, such as the trials of the mind and the attempts at initiating the journey
towards a goal.

On the whole, the sphinxes on the Chariot card are being pulled in different
directions. It is the role of the charioteer to hold the sphinxes together and
steer a straight course, as they signify the contradictions and conflicts of our
psyches. According to the Greek philosopher Plato, a black horse on a chariot

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symbolised our basic instincts, and a white horse symbolised our better
nature.

In the same that way we use our will and the strength of our personality in
difficult situations, the Chariot is asking us to take the reins and understand
what is driving us.

This card is associated with the number seven, which is the number of
movement, progress, and victory. It is a symbol of completeness and personal
wholeness. It can also signal that it is time for a change, and is a number of
thought and reflection. Seven is the number of the heavenly virtues, deadly
sins, colours of the rainbow, chakras in the human body, the days of the
week, and “the seven year itch.” It is also a sacred, mystical and magical
number, and a symbol of universal and spiritual order and perfection. This
number focuses on identifying our problems by asking searching questions of
ourselves while realising the lessons we have learned from our past mistakes.

The astrological influence of the Chariot is Cancer, and is the sign of

imagination and intuition. When this is harnessed to logical and rational
thought, positive decisions are made. Cancerians will never give up, are
emotional and relate to past events, feelings and memories to protect
themselves from future doubts. This sign focuses on our ability to draw upon
the vast experience that we have gained in the past, and the extent to which
we have digested that experience and absorbed it into our subconscious mind
so that it may provide mental and emotional food for thought in our present. It
has a link with our parental heredity and may denote events in the parents’
life. Cancer brings opportunities for gaining advancement, honours and
recognition, improving domestic conditions, opening up fresh avenues of
experience, and undertaking additional responsibilities. It can also indicate
changes in our career and our home, and engagement or marriage for the
male Cancerian.

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The Chariot reminds us that conflict can be a creative force for change in our
lives, and signifies the ability to see both sides of an issue.

Interpretation
When the Chariot appears in a spread it represents success or victory through
focused effort, and reward as a result of hard work. Your self-discipline may
have been a struggle, but victory is in sight and your determination, wit and
enthusiasm will succeed over all opposition. If you can harness all of your
abilities or talents to attain the desired goal, then eventually you will be
successful. Move in a positive direction by focusing on identifying any
problems, searching for the answers to questions and learning the lessons of
past mistakes, then take control of the direction of your life and make the
changes that you want to make.

You may have a passionate ambition to achieve a particular goal, but it may
be playing on your mind because it could mean a move, a journey, or a
change. You will need to gather all of your strength and energy to overcome
this conflict within your mind, and once you have resolved this dilemma you
can then move forward. Even if there is a struggle, use your gifts, be prepared
to work hard and keep striving for those goals you have in sight.

A situation is coming where you have to go forward with commitment and

determination, and someone may inspire and encourage you not to give in.
The Chariot indicates that you will be able to cope and have the ability, self-
assertion and skill needed to be successful, and you will successfully
overcome difficulties and emerge victorious. There could also be travel
opportunities, dealings for a car, or the need of a holiday.

In money matters, you may have to approach someone who owes you money
but you will be fortunate because it will be paid back to you. Financial
transactions will go well but any investments you make now will need time to
grow before you see any profit. In love, you might be thinking of a possible

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union with someone you know and like, however, it may not be the right time
for a relationship at the moment. Maybe the right person has not come along
as yet, but your love life will improve. In work matters, maybe you are
wondering if you should engage in a plan or continue on a project, just make
sure that you have all the skills, knowledge or experience needed to push
forward, as you may be in competition with others and will need your wits
about you.

Negative
It relates to some kind of damage to your prestige, upsets in your career or
domestic life. Maybe unfavourable changes are about to happen, which could
lead to ill health due to apathy, depression or emotional upsets. You are
rushing into things to quickly which is making you waste your resources and
burn up your energy. Perhaps you feel that your abilities are failing you and
have got yourself in a rut and do not know which way to turn. It feels as if you
have too many things to contend with and burying your head in the sand in
the hope that it will all disappear, but you will need to face up to reality. Maybe
you are having problems with your car and travel plans are not working out as
planned.

People
Those who are determined to work hard and go forward with courage and
willpower to reach their aim. Those who have the skills and resources needed
to put them on the path to success. Those who have to go on a journey, or
move premises or take a different direction in career, relationship, or whatever
is paramount at the moment. Those in the catering and hotel trade. Those
connected with nurturing or growth, such as nurses, gardeners and farmers.

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 8 Strength

Astrological Influence: Leo

Key words and phrases: Self-confidence; inner

strength; action; the power of conviction; patience;
wisdom; assertiveness; gentle force; ability to
overcome problems through willpower; a strong
position; self-discipline; faith in your own abilities;
heroism; protection; non-violence; courage; energy;
strength; virility; vitality; healing; good health; recovery
after illness; potency; empowerment; self-reliance;
gentleness; endurance; taming the beast within; harnessing instinctive
desires; proper channelling of libido; reconciliation; diplomacy; tact.

Symbolic Meaning
Strength and Justice exchange positions in various packs of the Tarot cards.
There is no reason for an explanation into this, and it holds no significance to
us. Therefore, I use Tarot decks where the Strength card is numbered eight
and the Justice card numbered eleven. The Strength card in most decks is
depicted as a man or a woman who is getting to grips with a lion. In the Waite
deck it depicts a woman with the figure-eight symbol of eternity over her head
and wearing a white robe. She has a wreath of red flowers in her hair and a
garland of the same round her waist, and seems to be closing the jaws of a
lion and successfully gained control over it.

The figure-eight symbol of eternity or infinity comes from the Latin infinitas
or “unboundedness.” Eternity or infinity has no boundaries and discontinuity
therefore, it is perpetual. It is also an ancient Egyptian symbol of eternal life.

The white seamless robe suggests innocence, holiness and spiritual purity.

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The wreath represents a bond that cannot be broken or a sacrifice that must
be accepted. It is a symbol of truce, victory, purification and divination, and
also spiritual or temporal authority, perfection and continuity.

The red flowers symbolise warmth, love and passion, but also danger. They
represent the culmination of a growth cycle and crowning achievement, and
are related to the power of the passive, feminine principle, displaying literal,
physical, spiritual and symbolical beauty.

The garland can represent honour, recognition and approval from our peers
for work or a task that has been completed.

The lion symbolises dignity, strength and courage, but also represents our
ego and the feeling associated with it. The lion is a solar symbol and a sign of
power and leadership. It is an animal with divine qualities and a symbol of
victory, bravery, vigilance and fortitude. It is also a symbol of the harmful and
negative urges that lurk deep within our psyche. However, if we find ourselves
struggling, the lion signifies that we have the power and ability to overcome
our difficulties and turn them into successful developments.

In Greek myth, Heracles was given twelve Labours by King Eurystheus, and
his first Labour was to kill the Nemean lion. Heracles strangled the lion with
his bear hands then wore the skin as armour, as it was believed that it could
withstand all weapons, and he wore the head of the lion as a helmet.

In Roman mythology, Androcles was a runaway slave who removed a thorn

from a lion’s foot. Later he was recaptured and thrown into a cage of lions.
However, the lion that Androcles helped was there and protected him from the
other lions. Because of this, the authorities gave Androcles his freedom.

On the whole, this card symbolises the mastery over any suggestion of the
animal nature in our conscious mind, and channelling this passionate energy

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into positive and creative activities. The woman in this card is showing us that
we have power over our negative urges, and our higher spiritual nature can
overcome our earthly desires. The Strength card demonstrates the triumph of
our spiritual intuition, and shows that our willpower and determination can
work better than brute strength. This card gives us the opportunity to resolve
the destructive aspects of our lives. Strength is where we learn to master and
develop self-control over our instincts and impulses.

It is associated with the number eight, which indicates mastery over the
physical world, an acceptance of responsibility, and the ability to rule by divine
standards. The number eight is a symbol of universal balance and renewal, as
well as positive changes. Whatever effort we put into our lives to produce
success it is suggesting that we direct our effort in a positive and responsible
way.

Strength’s astrological influence is Leo, which is a sign of great creativity, and

enthusiasm for life. Leo represents ambition, organisation and control. In a
positive aspect, Leo represents the triumph of controlled strength, courage
and truth over violence, cowardice and tyranny. It focuses on the power of our
individuality and our desire for self-expression, and the ability to take
advantage of our innate talent and add new skills to our inherited abilities. Leo
brings opportunities for making friends, engaging in love affairs, speculating
successfully, realising our ideals, having power as a result of rising to a higher
position, and achieving success in sport or entertainment. This leads to work
where we can give a free rein to our creative talents, or the kind of work that
will attract attention to ourselves, such as performing for the public. Leo may
also denote the birth of a child, and significant events in the life of a son or
daughter.

Interpretation
When the Strength card appears in a reading, you are about to tap into your
potential. Overcome past fears and gather all your resources and energy to

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get through any obstacles that stand in your way, so that you can go into the
next phase of your life. You can do what needs to be done to take charge of
any given situation. A sudden release of creative energy will have an inspired
effect on you, and you will get what you want and reach your aim. If you rely
on your inner strength and patience then long-standing problems will be
resolved. Focus on overcoming any obstacles or opposition, stand firm even if
it causes pain and use persuasion if you want to. Stick to your principles, and
do what you believe is right in an unbiased way. If you have any conflict or
disputes from others you will be able to resolve them.

After you have done the necessary preparation you can expect a good
outcome, and feel as if you have a new lease of life with increased health and
energy, which will strengthen your feelings of self-worth.

Negative
In a negative aspect, it suggests disharmony resulting from an abuse of
power, causing hostility and antagonism from others. There may be quarrels
with friends, broken love affairs, misfortune involving friends, setbacks with
speculation, disappointment with sport, entertainment and holidays. Maybe
you have lost sight of your spiritual side and are unable to handle things
effectively. Perhaps your dealings with others lack love and understanding,
and you are portraying someone who is cold and uninterested. It could also
be that you are unhappy with your situation, or maybe you are overtired and
overworked. You need to summon up your inner strength and carry on despite
genuine difficulties.

People
Those who exert power as a result of being promoted to a higher position.
Those who attract attention to themselves through artistic enterprise. Writers.
Inventors. Those who have an organising ability, such as a manager, or the
head of some business concern. Those whose work is connected with
speculation, such as stockbrokers, bookmakers or financial speculators.

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Those who are courageous while possessing a tranquil inner strength. Those
who have a purposeful temperament, good self-control, and can master any
situation in which they find themselves.

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 9 The Hermit

Astrological Influence: Virgo

Key words and phrases: Contemplation; meditation;

quiet study; self-discovery; withdrawing from society;
keeping to yourself; patience; discretion; prudent
reflection; time spent alone; thoughtful planning;
seeking sensible advice; deliberation; attention to
details; inner guidance; counselling; self-examination;
reassessment; discovery; wisdom; forethought; old
age; sanctuary; the process of searching for deeper
truths; inner understanding; pondering life’s mysteries; withdrawal from daily
routine; the search for mystical enlightenment; the need for solitude and
introspection; a quiet spell; patient waiting; being attuned to the spiritual
dimensions of the universe. The wish to bring knowledge to light; attending to
your mental health; atonement; the answer lies within; patience is a virtue.

Symbolic Meaning
The Hermit depicts an old man carrying a staff and a lantern. In the Waite
deck a bearded old man wears what looks like a grey hooded habit. In his left
hand he holds a long staff, and holds up a lantern with his right hand that
contains a shining six-pointed star, while standing alone on the top of a
mountain.

The bearded old man represents the profound but practical wisdom that is
inherent in the depths of our psyche which must be listened to. According to
Jung the Hermit is the Wise Old Man and is one of his “manna personalities,“
which are regarded as important influences in our lives. So whenever a
“manna figure” appears it will be extremely important and will open up new
perspectives in our lives.

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Hoods are a symbol of invisibility and suggest that part of our persona is
being concealed and needs to be revealed so that we may be able to fully
operate.

The cloak that is attached to the Hermit’s habit is also a symbol of invisibility
and concealment, but also suggests intrigue, secrecy and protection.

The grey colour of the hooded habit is associated with the colour of mist, old
age and time, and may suggest that we have a blurred state of mind, making
it difficult for us to see where we are going, or we are losing our sense of
direction. Grey indicates that we may be feeling depressed or drained and
need to look for something positive to brighten up our lives. However, the
colour grey is also associated with Cronos, the Greco-Roman Lord of Time,
and wisdom was one of his attributes. This colour is also linked with wisdom
on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. Therefore grey can also symbolise wisdom,
dedication and service.

His staff signifies the support we need through life, and symbolises a journey
we need to take, perhaps of the mind, but we will receive help in some way
and do not have to do it on our own.

His lantern signifies guidance and wisdom signalling a time of clarity and
honesty, and reveals that events will become much clearer. It can also
symbolise spiritual insight and a sudden burst of inspiration and
understanding.

The six-pointed star denotes hope, inspiration and ideal, and is a symbol of
balance and harmony. It signifies that our physical and spiritual qualities are
united and in harmony, creating wisdom.

The mountain signifies that we have a clear view and a better perspective on
life. It denotes achievement through hard work, and can also signify spiritual

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advancement. A mountain is a symbol of transcendence, eternity, purity and
spiritual ascent, and is associated with immortals, heroes, sanctified prophets,
and gods. The Hermit has a similarity to the Hindu god Vishnu.

According to Hindu belief, Vishnu, also called the Preserver, is the agent of
light that maintains the harmony of the universe. He rides upon the eagle
Garuda who symbolises the wisdom attained by having an open mind. His
four main symbols are the conch shell used to dispel demons, the club to
represent power, the discus used against evil forces, and the lotus
symbolising reincarnation.

The Hermit does not depend on anyone else and seems to stand alone, but in
fact he is really guiding us up the mountain to spiritual union and suggesting
that we can be where he is. He is the Jungian archetype of the wise old man,
and reflects our spiritual journey when we are in search of our inner truths and
knowledge. This process cannot be hurried, we must be patient and follow in
the Hermit’s footsteps. He symbolises the need to withdraw from the rat race
to seek enlightenment, and he purposely does this to attain a connection with
his spiritual powers. Through time the Hermit has gained wisdom and
patience by being on his own, but he is not lonely. This card signifies a period
of solitude or isolation to reflect through meditation and contemplation, in
order to grow spiritually and mentally. By doing this we can discover deeper
truths about ourselves. Spending time alone gives us a chance to discover,
through our intuition, which path to follow or the action needed to steer us in
the right direction. Whether we take time out on purpose or whether it is
forced upon us, it can offer many insights and enables us to grow and develop
by taking stock of our lives. This card can also indicate a wise teacher or
counsellor who can help us to connect with our inner self.

The Hermit is associated with the number nine, which represents the end of a
cycle or phase of life, and the preparation needed for entering a new phase. It
shows that a certain point in our life has been reached, and there are now

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higher levels to achieve. In mysticism, the number nine represents the triple
merging of mind, body and spirit. It is a Hebrew symbol of truth and a
Christian symbol of order within order. Nine represents success over our
challenges, and signifies completion and may represent personal wholeness.

The astrological influence of the Hermit is the zodiacal sign of Virgo, which
relates to the search for an individual identity that sets us apart from others,
and to become a person in our own right through our uniqueness. This can be
attained through the application of Virgo’s own qualities of sensibility,
intelligence, practicality, and completion of tasks to the best of our ability.
Virgo focuses on our power to organise and utilise the resources in our
immediate environment to achieve perfection through learning, studying, skill
and experience, whether physical or spiritual. It brings opportunities for gain
through a sound sense of perspective, the right use of opportunities for
service, through an improved knowledge of the techniques involved in our day
to day work, the helpful cooperation of those who work with us, and through
promotion to a position of authority.

Interpretation
When the Hermit appears in a spread, it can mean that you have gone
through a difficult time and you do not know what to do to solve it. Perhaps
you have a serious decision to make and need solitude and isolation to think
about your current situation then make plans. You need to focus on the
problems around you and wait rather than act. Peace and quiet is important to
you now and will give you time to picture your ideas and plans, and to
discover your next course of action. Open your heart and mind and be patient,
and try to recognise the value of slowing down and taking stock of your life.
Perhaps your work has become dull and boring or even difficult and you need
a change of job, or maybe you are feeling lonely and on your own and need
someone to share your life with.

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We all benefit from being on our own from time to time, therefore you need to
look at things as they are with a clear mind while you are in this position, and
trust the wisdom of your own inner guidance through contemplation, reflection
and even meditation. Listen to your inner voice and follow your own path or
spiritual journey, and do not let other people deter you from your own
direction.

Someone or something may appear that will have an influence on your life
and bring change. If it is a person, it will be someone of either sex, who will
guide you to new possibilities, growth and heightened awareness. This is
someone with experience and compassion and will give you good advice, so
listen to what they have to say. If it is not a person, then it could be something
you see, such as an advertisement for some job you have always fancied
doing that takes you in a different direction, or it maybe even a pet of some
kind to keep you company. There are always new things to learn, and it could
be a good time to seriously study a new subject.

You will soon become aware of what you want to do or what to accomplish,
the light is at the end of the tunnel and you will overcome your obstacles and
eventually reach your goal.

Negative
There may be delayed progress due to neglecting to take proper advantage of
promising opportunities, through the obstructing influence of unfortunate
circumstances, or through the constant striving for the unattainable.
Difficulties with trying to adjust to your life may be even further tested and you
may feel that you want to give up your position or go into hiding. There may
be difficulties as a result of the lack of cooperation of work colleagues, or
setbacks in your own personal work. Perhaps you are ignoring good sound
advice that is given to you, and struggling on rather than accepting the help or
support that is on offer. Maybe your heart and mind is closed and you are
detaching yourself from those close to you. It could be that you have lost your

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faith and you need to examine your life and preoccupations. Perhaps you
have a fear of change and lack the confidence to cope with it. At worst, it may
be that you are bereaved, feeling lost and lonely, and finding it hard to adjust
to a different life alone.

People
Those who are thoughtful about the direction they need to take in their life.
Those who are able to give good advice. Those who have acquired wisdom or
some specific knowledge. Those who live a solitary or isolated life. Those in
the commercial world whose occupations demand technical skill. Those trying
to reach perfection.

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 The Wheel of Fortune

Astrological Influence: Jupiter

Key words and phrases: Good luck; advancement;

opportunity; important developments; improvements;
rapid change; fate; destiny; progress; new doors open;
the ups-and-downs of fortune; a fortunate turn of
events; a lucky break; the end of one phase and the
start of a new one; improving circumstances;
gambling; games of chance; lady luck; a new vehicle
or new wheels; karma; everything changes.

Symbolic Meaning
The Wheel of Fortune in the Waite deck depicts a sphinx sitting on top of the
wheel with four other figures, an angel, a lion, a bull and an eagle,
surrounding it. On the wheel are the letters T, O, R, and A, and the Hebrew
letters ‫ ה‬,‫ ד‬,‫ה‬, and ‫ י‬interspersed between them. There are also glyphs or
symbols on four of the spokes within the wheel, and from left to right and on
the top three spokes, are the alchemical symbols for salt, mercury and
sulphur, and on the bottom spoke is the astrological symbol for Aquarius. The
figure coming up from the bottom of the right-hand side of the wheel is Anubis
the Egyptian god, and going down on the left-hand side is a snake.

The wheel represents the course of our lives from birth to death, the changes
of life and the unfolding of our destiny. It is associated with chance and
fortune, whether lucky or not, either way it is a turning point in our lives. The
wheel is associated with Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fate.

She represents luck or ill fortune with the turn of her wheel, which either
brings happiness and success or ruin and misery. Fate is morally blind
therefore she is often depicted as being blindfolded. Her wheel teaches us
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that what goes up must come down, and vice versa. Success and failure
follow each other just as life and death does.

The sphinx controls the wheel and knows the secret of time, and represents
the need for a balance to be contained in its constant motion. It is a symbol of
vigilance, power, wisdom, dignity and protection.

The angel symbolises guidance, advice and help, and suggests that a higher
power is available to us, and help will come if we need it. It also represents
our desire to connect with the spiritual side of our nature. Angels bring loving
guidance, protection and divine messages to us.

The lion signifies dignity, strength and courage, and also represents our ego
and the feelings associated with it. It is a symbol of success, victory and
leadership, and suggests that our inner power and authority is in tune, and
great power is attainable if we allow ourselves to tap into it.

The bull symbolises sexual passion, creative power, masculinity and

assertiveness, but also has a negative side, such as destructiveness, fear or
anger. It suggests to stop fantasising and take a good honest look at
ourselves and reality, and build on our lives by using our stronger qualities.

The eagle is a clear and universal symbol of power, speed and perception.
With the Christians it symbolises the absolute and all-knowing power of God.
Along with the eagle’s strength and clear vision, it also symbolises freedom,
authority and leadership. It signifies that we are now able to see where we are
going with our life and not allowing ourselves to be hampered by unimportant
elements, our willpower and perception is strong and we are gaining in
confidence. The eagle can also represent a connection with our spiritual side,
and is a reminder to broaden our horizons.

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Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are known as the four Evangelists and wrote
the first four books of the New Testament. The visions of the Old Testament
prophets Daniel and Ezekiel, and the apocalyptic visions in the Book of
Revelation, associate Matthew with an angel, Mark with a lion, Luke with an
ox, and John with an eagle. In the zodiacal signs, the Angel represents
Aquarius, the lion represents Leo, the bull represents Taurus, and the eagle
represents Scorpio. These signs also relate to the cycles of nature, especially
the seasons, where we start by sowing the seeds, then comes fruition, next is
the harvest, and then the period to repair and retire until the beginning of the
next season when we start the cycle all over again. During these four seasons
and zodiacal signs there are four pagan festivals, Imbolc or Candlemas on the
2nd February, Beltane or May Day on the 1st May, Lugnasad or Lammas on
the 1st and 2nd August, and Halloween on the 31st October and 1st November.
The four elements and the four psychological functions are also connected,
thus, the Angel = Air = Intellect and Mental Aptitude; the Lion = Fire =
Intuition; the Bull = Earth = Feelings and Physical Senses; the Scorpio Eagle
= Water = Emotion. They are also linked with the four points of the compass,
the four directions of the four elements, and the Archangels, Raphael,
Michael, Gabriel and Uriel.

The Wheel has the letters TORA written on it. The first five books of the
Hebrew bible are known as the Pentateuch, or Torah, which is believed to
contain all of God’s teachings, and was given to Moses on Mount Sanai. The
Torah is believed to be the medium through which to gain access to the
higher spiritual domain. It is one of the most sacred symbols of Judaism. In
between each letter of TORA are the Hebrew letters ‫ י‬,‫ ה‬,‫ ד‬,‫ה‬, which are known
as the tetragrammaton that comprises the four letters Y, H, W, H, and spells
the name of God in Hebrew. When the vowels are added, the letters spell the
name of Yahweh, which Christians translate as Jehovah. According to
tradition God’s name was revealed to Moses, but was so sacred that it could
never be spoken aloud.

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Salt can be used as a symbol of the earth and also for its life-preserving
qualities. It is vital to life and relates to the refined qualities we bring to our
lives and the things we do to enrich our lifestyle.

Mercury and sulphur relate to the beginning of the practice of alchemy.

Alchemy is a philosophy and practice that extends across both science and
mysticism, and influenced modern chemistry and psychology. It presumes
that we are in a state of chaos and discord since we lost our connection with
“Eden,” or our original condition of contentment. Alchemists see direct
relationships between matter and spirit and between organic and inorganic
nature. The aim of alchemy is to transform a basic substance into a higher
substance, or transforming the most basic of human awareness and
experience into deep insight. The main goal is to unite opposites for example
male and female, to achieve perfect harmony. This state of perfect harmony is
symbolised by uniting the correct mix of sulphur (masculine) to mercury
(feminine) in the fire of love. In other words, bringing together the masculine
and feminine aspects of our nature in order to become whole, as we were
before humanity fell into the world of opposites. The end result of the
alchemist’s dedication became known as the “philosophers stone.” They
believed that sulphur and mercury were the principal materials of all metals.

Aquarius focuses on our ability to express our individuality and directs the
projection of our creative abilities upon the world. The glyph or symbol
represents water and communication and is linked with humanitarian ideals,
freedom, uniqueness and original thinking.

Anubis was the Egyptian jackal-headed god of embalming. It is said that he

weighed the hearts of the dead in the Hall of Judgement.

The snake symbolises healing, rejuvenation and new life, and embodies the
cycle of death and resurrection through its ability to shed its own skin and

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grow another one. It can also indicate wisdom, temptation, cunning and
betrayal.

On the whole, the Wheel of Fortune signifies the completion of one cycle and
the beginning of another. It is the eternal motion of the universe and the flow
and continuous change of human life. Perpetual motion constantly reminds us
that nothing stays the same forever, and that we do not have total control of
the external factors of our lives. It symbolises that we are all subjected to the
laws of nature as we move through life, and we are not certain whether these
changes are going to be positive or negative. It suggests that some of life’s
events are beyond our control and can disrupt the patterns of our lives. This
card symbolises the forces of fate and destiny. Unexpected changes do
happen, and because they come without warning it feels like fate has taken a
hand in it and we have no control. We can’t control the way the wheel turns,
but we can control the way we respond to it. However, being human we
usually blame fate rather than taking responsibility for our lives. If we learn to
understand how we sometimes manage to get ourselves into certain
situations and circumstances, we would be less likely to feel at the mercy of
fate and more able to direct the course of our own lives. Whatever life brings
us we all have choices.

The Wheel of Fortune is associated with the number ten, which refers to a
transition point from one cycle to another. It is a number of completion and
final ending, and the start of a new journey. It signifies a new beginning,
transformation and the reinforcing of matters before a new cycle can begin.
Number ten suggests things are changing and shifting in our lives, and
represents the involvement of fate, destiny and karma. Ten can be reduced to
the number one (1+ 0 = 1), which signifies the beginning of something and
relates to the Self. One ascribes to the conscious, rational and reasoning
mind.

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The astrological influence of the Wheel of Fortune is the planet Jupiter, the
Luck Bringer. It is the planet of potential, happiness, enthusiasm, wellbeing,
and our optimistic and ecstatic relationship with the outer world. It can govern
how we express our joy in life and how we relate to and enjoy the material
world. It is the planet that influences our lifestyle. It stimulates growth,
increase and expansion on all levels, and that ability to increase possessions,
social contacts and wisdom. Jupiter brings opportunities as a result of sound
judgement and well-controlled actions, or through the friendly and helpful
interest of those in influential positions, or the wise advice of older friends. It
also brings increasing good fortune (often as a result of our own extensive
and lively attitude), gain in popularity and respect, broadening our education
through travel (especially abroad to foreign countries), through study, or
through circulating ideas (especially through publishing). Jupiter may also
denote events that bring an increase of happy emotional experiences, such as
an engagement, marriage, the birth of children or the marriage of our children,
gain through legal action, redecoration or refurbishing of the home.

Interpretation
When the Wheel of Fortune appears in a spread it suggests that you have
reached the end of one cycle in your life and a new phase is beginning. This
new chapter is really up to you whether the outcome is going to be positive or
negative. These rapid changes will offer you opportunities to improve your life.
The laws of destiny favour you at this time, and the key to this is adaptability
as good fortune and opportunity is returning to your life. It may feel either
exciting or unnerving but the choices and action you take now will be
beneficial for the future, and if things are already going well it will continue.
You are approaching a period in your life where fate has taken a hand in your
affairs and you may feel as if you have no control over it. It might be difficult to
live through but you will find yourself with new opportunities and a change of
fortune, as fate will redirect your path. This could be related to your
relationships at work and at home, it can be disruptive, however, a new
romance could come into your life, a relationship you are already in will

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probably get better, and your finances could improve. Unexpected changes
and fortune are going to happen, and this card is good for money speculation,
whether through investments or enterprise.

However, the future is never fixed so you should accept a decline. With the
Wheel of Fortune it is either a situation that is evolving for the better or
becoming complicated, and if it is the latter it could be as a result of your past
actions. In this situation this card is suggesting that you let go of the past and
move forward, but usually they are good changes with the Wheel, and the
surrounding cards will clarify this and guide you in the right direction. It could
be that you have an important decision to make, and it is suggesting that you
must be aware of how much of your responsibility was involved in the
circumstances you are faced with now. Be careful when you are making plans
because they might have to be altered or postponed, so it may be wise to let
things run their natural course until the time is right for you to take action or
intervene. Things are definitely going to change around you, but maybe not in
the way you expected.

The Wheel of Fortune also depicts changes around a vehicle such as a new
car, but it can also be a warning that you need to put your car in good working
order. This card is often a stroke of good luck and unexpected good fortune,
so things will eventually work out but as yet you probably don’t know how. As I
have mentioned before, the position of the other cards will provide an
indication of the areas and the sort of success that you can expect.

Negative
It threatens decreased respect as a result of faulty judgement, carelessness,
or the unreliable advice of others. There could be financial losses due to
extravagance or over-confidence. Perhaps there is trouble through legal,
religious, educational or publishing affairs. Maybe failure of projects either
through a lack of wisdom or the inability to attract the support of influential
people. This is a bad time to initiate any fresh projects, or gamble on things

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going in your favour. Unexpected delays will appear out of nowhere. Take
comfort in the fact that change is usually positive in the end. This could imply
that things are going to go against you for a while, or that other people and
outside circumstances are ruling your life for the time being. Just battle
through because it may all change and be positive in the end.

People
Those who speculate with money. Those who take a gamble. Those who are
lucky in life. Those who are making changes to their lives or home. Those
who prosper as a result of sound judgement and well controlled actions.

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 11 Justice

Astrological Influence: Libra

Key words and phrases: Legal affairs, equilibrium;

harmony; restoration of balance; fairness; arbitration;
neutrality; impartiality; maintaining a proper balance;
order restored; prudent money management; strategy;
accountability; integrity; examination of conscience;
carefully considered choices; clear vision; a sense of
proportion; the power of intellect; rationality; a just
outcome; the right decision; clear-cut perspective;
intervention of the law; decisions needed to maintain justice, law and order; a
trial; a court case; dealings with the law; litigation; contracts; binding
agreements; settlements; an apology; a marriage contract; a divorce
agreement; powers that enforce justice; justice will prevail.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck the Justice card depicts a female figure sitting on a throne
between two pillars. She wears a crown with an inlaid square jewel, a green
cape and a red robe, but does not wear a blindfold as she is depicted in
today’s courts of law and justice. She holds the scales of justice in her left
hand and in her right hand holds an upright sword.

The throne symbolises a seat of power and authority in both the worldly and
spiritual realms. It is acknowledging our right to take authority, and can
represent our ability to belong to groups, or to society.

The two pillars are associated with balance and equality, and are symbols of
worldly and spiritual authority, aspiration and power. Two pillars appear
outside Masonic temples, representing force and form.

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The crown symbolises status, power and recognition. It represents
acknowledgement and praise for our accomplishments, and may suggest that
we are about to receive an honour of some kind. The crown also signifies
opportunities that will broaden our knowledge and awareness.

Jewels are a symbol of purity, refinement and superiority. They indicate that
we value what is precious in our lives, and signify good fortune. In Eastern
traditions they embody spiritual knowledge. The square shape of the jewels
symbolises Earth, material existence and the created universe. The square
suggests structure, order and stability, but also limitations. The related cube
symbolises stability, truth, wisdom and perfection.

The cape and the robe are originally symbols of sovereignty, but today the
robes decorated with white ermine symbolise moral purity and justice, and is
used on the robes of state, judicial, ecclesiastical and academic dignitaries.
They can also signify physical, emotional or spiritual protection.

The green colour of the cape signifies new beginnings and growth. Green is
the colour of equilibrium and compatibility, and indicates personal growth and
some new development in our personality. It also suggests that we are
opening up to new methods of self-expression.

The red colour of the robe is associated with life, warmth, love and fertility,
but also danger, anger and aggression. Red signifies that we may be
repressing our passionate feelings, or indicates our drive for achievement and
success.

The scales are a common representation of justice, truth, balance and

prudence, and the weighing up of decisions and actions. In Egyptian myth,
scales were used to weigh the souls of the dead. They signify a need for
balance and self-control.

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The sword is an important and ancient symbol of authority, justice, intellect
and light. It can be used constructively or destructively, which means that if
we are to accept our sense of authority and power, then we have to accept
the responsibility that comes with it. A sword signifies the ability to cut to the
heart of the matter, and can also indicate the desire to cut certain elements
out of our lives that no longer benefit our growth, especially those of the past.

Justice indicates that we use our mental ability to show good insight and
make unbiased evaluations. This card demands balance, adjustment and total
impartiality, and suggests spiritual, moral or legal justice.

In Egyptian mythology the goddess Maat was said to have weighed the souls
of the dead against her Feather of Truth. Her name means truth and justice,
and other cultures saw her as the embodiment of Fate who presided over the
laws of karma, and allotted suitable reward or punishment.

On the whole, Justice is based on fairness and reason, even though it may
seem to us more of an ideal these days than a reality, but we still have to
endeavour to uphold its principle. The Justice card asks if we are able to be
honest and truthful with ourselves and capable of taking the responsibility for
the situations and circumstances we find ourselves in. It is advising us not to
be influenced by emotion or bias and to weigh our decisions carefully before
coming to a conclusion.

The number of the Justice card is eleven, which reduces to the number two
(1+ 1 = 2), meaning it has strong links with the High Priestess. It is a period of
gestation, waiting and anticipation for future success. Two represents a drive
for harmony and balance, and it is passive, intuitive, receptive and emotional.

This card is also associated with the astrological sign of Libra, which signifies
the harmony and balance, especially of our mental faculties, and the fair
distribution of justice, rights, duties and possessions for all. Libra focuses on

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all those things, which help us to complete our experience, and smooth out
our relationship to the world, partners in private and business life, and those
we thought would be partners but for some reason have become our
adversaries. Libra brings opportunities for exercising personal initiative and
enterprise, either in matters of personal expression or making adjustments to
our partners needs, such as marriage, amicable business cooperation,
bringing quarrels to a peaceful end, or engaging in political activities.

Interpretation
When Justice is in a spread it indicates that in your business and home life
justice will win over any problems. If you are involved in any legal action,
perhaps concerning money or property it will be resolved in your favour, and if
you have a difficult decision to make just weigh it up carefully before reaching
a conclusion. Be decisive and fight for what you believe in, and don’t settle for
second best and feel that you have no right to fair treatment. Maintain the
courage of your convictions and your integrity, then justice will be done and
the outcome will be a fair one.

A choice or a decision may be needed to questions concerning a legal

problem, a court case, legal documents, negotiations, or just a matter of
principle. Whatever the situation, whether it has been forced upon you by
yourself or others, you need to find a balance. The only way to attain this
balance is through being honest and disciplined, and by taking responsibility
for your situation, which will put you in a strong position. Expect a good
outcome if you have done the necessary preparation, and if you deserve it.
Legal, moral or official matters will turn out well and you will receive what is
due to you. Someone might assist you in bringing a fair outcome to a
situation, such as a lawyer, arbitrator or judge. Let go of matters that can’t be
resolved, and don’t make unreasonable demands or become greedy in the
settling of an issue or you might not get what you had hoped for.

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Justice can also indicate that you might work in this type of career, or that you
have the type of mind that is very good at logical negotiation. In personal
relationships a fair arrangement may be necessary, honesty and
consideration is called for, and you might need to assess whether you are
being fair with your partner both emotionally and sexually. Try to achieve a
balance in all areas of your life, and problems will be resolved one by one. All
ends well but you might have some difficulties to contend with.

Negative
It threatens danger of lawsuits, open breaches and marriage troubles. Act
cautiously and avoid making any hasty decisions, question the values and
beliefs that you hold. Justice may not be the outcome, and a legal battle could
go against you. It is not a good time to trust or confide in others, because they
may use any information you have given them against you. If you are getting
divorced, there may be an unfair judgement against you in court. If you are
buying a house, be prepared for complicated negotiations. You may separate
from your partner. You may not get the job or promotion you have been
waiting for. The Justice card represents legal complications, bigotry, bias and
excessive severity. If you have been dishonest or underhanded it may result
in repercussions.

People
Those who fight against injustice, such as arbitrators, lawyers, judges,
barristers, witnesses, legal authorities and the court. Those who make a
decision. Those who win a legal battle. Those who are in highly individual
work of an active nature, and have the scope for self-assertion and
pioneering. Those who have a desire to achieve harmony and balance in
relationships.

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 12 The Hanged Man

Astrological Influence: Neptune

Key words and phrases: Reversal; slowed action;

limbo; taking your time; a testing period; a lesson to
be learned; cosmic consciousness; enlightenment; a
unique viewpoint; a new angle; spiritual attunement;
selfishness; sacrifice; commitment; dedication;
flexibility; adaptability; daring to be different; breaking
with the past; readjustment; voluntary sacrifice to
obtain a higher good; inactivity; stagnation; calm; in
slow motion; an apparent standstill; at a crossroads; reflection; serenity;
higher wisdom; mysticism; devotion; unexpected domestic or career changes.

Symbolic Meaning
The Hanged Man is usually depicted as a young man whose head is
surrounded by a nimbus and suspending upside down by one foot on a T-
shaped wooden cross. His left leg is crossed behind his right leg forming a
fylfot cross. He is wearing a blue shirt and red tights, and there are leaves
sprouting from the crossbar of the cross indicating that it is alive.

A nimbus is a bright halo usually associated with saints and deities. It is a

symbol of divinity or sanctity, and originally based on the nimbus that
surrounds the sun.

The nimbus or halo is used in Christian art, and is thought to have been first
used on pagan sun gods, such as Mithras. They also appear in Buddhist
spiritual traditions. Mithras was originally a Persian sun god, and achieved cult
status with the Roman army. He was usually depicted slaying a bull, which
symbolises victory over our animal nature, and was worshipped in the temples

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devoted to the ritual sacrifice of bulls, and his new followers were initiated into
the sect by being baptised with the animal’s blood.

The T-cross is an ancient symbol of the sun god. It is also called the cross of
St Anthony, which was named after a hermit in Egypt who apparently chased
away demons with a cross of this kind. It forms the basis of the Egyptian ankh
cross, which is a symbol of immortality.

A fylfot cross takes the shape of a swastika cross, which is an ancient sign
found in Sumaria about five thousand years ago. It is usually associated with
the sun and power and was one of the symbols of Buddah. It was meant to
represent the cyclic regeneration of life, and even stretched to signify the
Supreme Being. Unfortunately, the fylfot or swastika was adopted by Hitler
and used as the sign for the Nazi party in the 1930s, and was reduced to a
political emblem of violence and regression.

A cross originally symbolised the union of mind, body, spirit and matter. It can
represent pain and suffering but leading to transformation or the triumph of
mind and spirit over adversity. It may suggest that something in our life has
come to an end, or needs to end, or it could signify sacrifice or martyrdom.
Therefore, the cross signifies that something in our life may need to be
sacrificed, maybe in the name of principle, or some bodily or earthly desires
may need to be restrained in order to enable us to reach our full potential and
stature as a human being.

His blue shirt signifies that we may need to get in touch with our animus, or
the masculine side of our psyche. It is also a healing colour and suggests
relaxation, sleep and tranquillity, and symbolises the sense of connection with
our spiritual self. Blue is the colour of the Virgin Mary therefore is a symbol of
peace and purity. It is also the colour connected with dreamlike states,
contemplation, introspection and yearning.

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His red tights are the colour of vitality, strength, dynamism, life, sensuality and
power, but also powerful feelings of danger and anger, or love and affection.
Red can mean that we may be suppressing passionate feelings, or indicates
ardent emotions and a drive to survive and achieve our goals. This colour can
also mean that we are reaching deeper into our spiritual side.

The living wood on the cross may symbolise the power of growth. It may
suggest that we are fulfilling our destiny by listening to the guidance that
comes from our subconscious mind, and helps us to grow so that we may
become whole.

The crossbar represents that we may need to look at the different aspects of
our life.

Even though the young man is hanging he has a calm and peaceful
expression on his face and seems like he is in a deep trance, therefore not
suffering. As a whole the Hanged Man symbolises life in suspension rather
than death. It represents a turning point in our psychological development by
surrendering to a higher wisdom in order to gain the inner knowledge of our
subconscious mind. The concept of this card is to give up something in order
to gain something else more important, or to follow a spiritual path. This
needs to be done willingly knowing that something will be lost, but also
knowing that something of greater value will be gained and will finally improve
our conscious mind and our circumstances. As a result of this, the Hanged
Man has adopted a new perspective to discover a deeper set of values within
him. This card suggests that we need to go beyond our present mind-set to
expand our conscious mind so that we may experience spiritual
transformation and knowledge.

Odin, the leader of the Norse gods, hung himself like this from the World Tree
Yggdrasil for nine days and nights, while pierced with a spear. He hung there
as a sacrifice and at the end of this time bent down and lifted up the magical

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runes that he discovered, which brought secret knowledge to humankind. This
experience of Odin’s was similar to the visionary experiences of death and
resurrection endured by shamans to achieve prophecy. Yogis believe they
can activate the brain’s nerve centres and improve their mental awareness by
standing on their heads in the pose known as the Sirsasna.

The Hanged Man is the number twelve, and in Christian symbolism it is the
number of universal fulfilment, and is the number of Christ’s disciples and the
Tribes of Israel. There are twelve gates to the City of Jerusalem, and there
was twelve fruits on the “Tree of Life.” Twelve also relates to the zodiac and
the twelve months of the year, and represents a complete cycle.

Twelve also reduces to three (1+ 2 = 3), which expresses all aspects of
creation, such as birth, life and death; past, present and future; and mind,
body and soul. In Pythagorean theory, three represents perfect harmony, the
union of unity (one) and diversity (two). The number three can signify the
introduction into our lives of another element that we may have to contend
with, such as the birth of a child, which we may find daunting at first, but will
lead to personal fulfilment and completeness. Three’s can also indicate a
period of suspended activity before any future success can be achieved.

The astrological influence of The Hanged Man is the planet Neptune, the
planet of dreams, artistic inspiration, mysticism and sacrifice. Neptune rules
inspiration, the superior yearnings of the mind, the power of perception
manifested through the conscious or subconscious and the co-ordination and
control of the five senses. Neptune’s particular qualities reveal that there is,
inside each of us, an acute awareness of the people and things around us,
which we can exploit in order to effect an inner change while all around us is
changing and evolving, too. Neptune stimulates selfless and charitable
instincts, artistic feelings, an idealistic and visionary nature, our ability to
adjust to life as a whole, and to find our proper position in the world. This
planet indicates all kinds of strange experiences that add to extend our

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horizons. Our psychic and intuitive abilities may bring us into contact with
some spiritual or mystical experience which has a profound effect as to
understanding our own part in the Divine Plan, and may denote making
sacrifices for some ideal. Neptune also influences our ability to speculate,
raise values and indulge in financial trickery.

The Hanged Man suggests that we surrender outworn concepts and fear in
order to gain knowledge. This card can also signify a state of limbo between
different events or paths in which we have difficulty with deciding as to the
direction we should take in our lives.

Interpretation
The Hanged Man often appears in a spread when you are in a rut. It may
indicate that you are about to start or soon begin a journey of spiritual growth,
and walk away from your materialistic and worldly concerns. There may be
something that needs to be given up, such as a relationship or job, in order to
move on and gain something else. Maybe you have been offered a job that is
more satisfying but the salary is lower than you have been earning. This
sacrifice needs to be voluntarily while knowing that something will be lost, but
you also know that something will be gained to improve your circumstances.

Perhaps this sacrifice has been forced upon you and you have lost someone
or something special, and your meaning of life is no longer there. You feel like
you are in limbo and it seems like time has frozen, unable to move forward or
back and unable to make changes because your hands are tied. The situation
you are in needs to be looked at from a different angle in order to gain a new
perspective. Have faith that things will turn out for the better, even though it
will hurt knowing that something has gone from your life.

You may be in a situation where you have to wait, but waiting for something to
happen will influence everything around you. Be patient and reflect on your
position until you see it is the right time for you to make the necessary

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improvements to your situation, and eventually you will come out of this
difficult period. The Hanged Man is also about acceptance and your ability to
remain open to new ideas. Accept that time is suspended and waiting is
inevitable just now, and reflect on what is happening at this moment in time. It
is not the right time to make any important decisions, and the time spent in
contemplation, rest and reflection will be beneficial. The way you deal with it
now will bring success in the future, just think of ways to make compromises
to avoid failure. Perhaps you need to reassess your attitudes and priorities.

Give up what is holding you back even if it involves a sacrifice or a loss. You
may experience spiritual transformation as your conscious mind expands,
which in turn may awaken your intuitive powers. Do not sacrifice yourself for
any unworthy causes or give too many chances to unreliable people.
Concentrate on what is important to you now. It might also be a good for you
to spend some time socially with others.

Negative
This card threatens bitter disappointment and frustration arising from a futile
effort to attain perfection, or to grasp the intangible. Your plans may fail
through the lack of complete integrity, practical ability, refusal to face up to
your responsibilities, or a distorted viewpoint, which gives a false perspective.
Events may run away with you unless you stop and think. Do not squander
your energies on useless projects. Perhaps you are indulging in drink or drugs
to escape from the negative situation you are in at the moment, and you feel
powerless to change or improve your situation or circumstances. You may fail
to grasp an opportunity because you will not let go of what is holding you
back. Maybe you are playing the martyr because you are enjoying the
sympathy and attention you are getting. Stop what you are doing and consider
your actions, self-pitying will get you nowhere.

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People
Those who are spiritual. Those who are in a rut. Those who take time out to
meditate. Those who are waiting for something to happen. Those who take a
different viewpoint. Those who have fulfilled a long-cherished desire. Those
who have made a sacrifice in order to move on in life.

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 13 Death

Astrological Influence: Scorpio

Key words and phrases: Necessary and profound

change; liberation; the dawning of a new era; leaving
the past behind; the end of a cycle and the start of a
new one; entering a new way of life; death of the old
self; empowerment; rebirth; renewal; sudden
inevitable change; transition; cleansing; purging;
revitalisation; stripping away the worthless matter;
liberation through purgation; grieving the loss of a
former lifestyle; inevitable endings; change of status; marriage; divorce;
starting or leaving a job; leaving home; relocation; the end of a relationship;
loss of virginity; spiritual regeneration; the shedding of outmoded attitudes;
reincarnation.

Symbolic Meaning
To most people the Death card is probably the most frightening card in the
deck, and they fear it assuming that it literally means physical death. In the
Waite deck the mysterious horseman is a skeleton who rides a white horse
and moves very slowly, and does not seem to be carrying a weapon. He
wears a suit of armour and holds a black banner emblazoned with a white
rose. A slain king lies on the ground, and a child and a maiden fall to their
knees in front of the dark figure. The maiden holds her head to one side in a
submissive gesture while the child tries to offer this frightening being a
bouquet of flowers. A bishop with clasped hands stands at her side awaiting
his fate, as the sun rises between two pillars on the horizon.

The skeleton is not a symbol of death, but a symbol of transformation and the
death of old ways and situations. It suggests that part of us has died and we
need to be aware and look at the framework we have built our lives upon.
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Maybe we have an idea or concept that needs breaking down to the “bare
bones.”

Usually Death is depicted riding a black horse, but in this card he is on a

white horse, which is a symbol of light, life, spiritual illumination and purity of
will. It describes the state of our spiritual awareness and suggests that the
white horse is strong enough to break down the doors of the obstacles and
burdens that are suppressing certain aspects of our personality, or collective
Shadow.

The armour is a symbol of protection and courage, and signifies that there
may be a need to protect ourselves from something we feel is intimidating and
making us feel anxious.

A black banner represents sadness and grief. It suggests a need to

consolidate our thoughts and actions, and perhaps agree on a particular
course of action.

Black signifies materialisation, pessimism and judgement. To most of us, the

colour black is associated with death, mourning, gloom, depression, secrecy,
conformity and obscurity, therefore it means that some part of us is being
repressed, and possibly, because of neglect we have let these associations
take control of our lives.

It was said that the first rose was created by Chloris, the Greek goddess of
flowers, from the body of a beautiful nymph. According to the mystic Sufi sect
of Islam, the rose is associated with pleasure but also linked with pain
because of its thorns. A white rose is associated with purity and spirituality,
and is one of the symbols of the Virgin Mary. Roses represent love, beauty
and perfection, and also suggest virginity and fertility. However, they can
signify that we may be concerned that the affection we are receiving may not
be genuine. A thorny rose symbolises betrayal, and multiple layered petals

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can symbolise the opening up of the spiritual and emotional aspects of
ourselves.

A child signifies that we may be subconsciously aware of some difficulty with

our child, and our subconscious is trying to bring this to our attention. It can
also mean that we have some sort of guilt feeling about the mistakes we
made as a parent, and are now trying to make amends. It could be that we
are trying to get in touch with the child within us to recapture the freedom we
once had, or we are feeling vulnerable or insecure. A child may also
represent a new beginning, a new development in our attitude to life, a new
set of values, a new balance or understanding of previously conflicting forces.

Flowers signify harmony, love and friendship. Over 100,000 years ago the
Neanderthals made flower offerings to their dead. Flowers are a symbol of a
wide range of experiences, but with this card they signify that we need to
make a transition from the situation we are in now.

The maiden signifies that we may be going through changes that make us
feel uncertain, insecure and lack confidence, and expecting criticism, ridicule
or even fear of not being taken seriously. The maiden suggests that we need
to get in touch with our inner self to find the answers or guidance we need to
push us forward, and she is making us aware of how we feel about the
changes, and what our fears are. She can also signify a desire to escape from
responsibility.

The bishop can represent stern authority and moral judgement. He signifies
moral and correct behaviour or a certain type of authority that we may find
daunting. A bishop can also signify a spiritual guide, a mentor, or our inner
self that is focused on the aspects of our life that we need to pay attention to.

The sun symbolises the awakening of our spiritual awareness, and signifies
the creative use of our intellect. It is linked with creative energy, health and

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vitality, and influences our physical and psychological development. The sun
can also be associated with an authority figure, such as a father, who may be
quietly judging us, or telling us what we should do or what we should not do.

Pillars are symbols of earthly and spiritual power and aspiration. They
suggest that we are able to create stability and support, and can stand firm
through difficulty.

There are many images of death in our society, such as skeletons,

graveyards, vaults, crows, hell, the Grim Reaper, and so on, and many of us
enjoy being frightened by these images. Actually this card has nothing to do
with physical death and means that our life may be repressed in some way,
but transformation will follow. As a whole, the Death card is a symbol of great
transformation. It signifies that there are some major changes coming into our
lives, and perhaps it is necessary to rid ourselves of old outdated ways that do
not serve our growth any more, and start to move into the unknown. It may
indicate a challenge that needs to be confronted, or an adjustment to the way
we approach life.

Death is suggesting that we need to leave our old self behind, stop carrying
the burdens of the past upon our shoulders, and open up to what is now being
offered. It is asking us to get rid of our old habits, attachments, values,
ambitions and goals, and become more in tune with our real selves. This card
symbolises that something has run its course and a new order is about to
begin. It signifies that we have reached the end of one phase and starting on
another. Beginnings and endings are a part of life, and how we react to them
will depend on how prepared we are to let go of the past and welcome future
opportunities. In most cases it relates to the death or the passing of a difficult
phase, caused through circumstances like divorce, separation or redundancy.
Sometimes difficulties are brought about because of bereavement, and as we
come to terms with this, a period of mourning is necessary. If we hang on to a
situation that is of no use to us it will hinder our growth and prevent us from

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moving on. Rebirth always follows an ending, which means that positive
transformations are on the way.

In Hindu mythology it is believed that in the future, when the tenth supreme
god Kalki reigns, he will appear on a white winged horse and bring about the
final destruction of the world and the beginning of a new golden age.

The Death card is the number thirteen, which many people believe is unlucky
and symbolises evil and misfortune. Perhaps this superstition derives from the
thirteen people at the Last Supper, Christ and his twelve disciples, or because
it is the number of witches in a coven and the number of lunar months in a
year. Actually number thirteen suggests that we need a period of adjustment.
However, this number can also be reduced to the number four (1+ 3 = 4),
which is the number of solidity, stability, security, organisation, power,
intellect, justice and supremacy, and influences us to realise our goals, giving
us an added assurance. The number four is suggesting that we need to find a
balance between our physical and spiritual faculties in order to become whole
and complete within ourselves.

The astrological influence with the Death card is the zodiacal sign of Scorpio.
It is an emotional and intuitive sign and is in the house of sex, death, birth and
transformation. Scorpio is also associated with regeneration, which implies
some sort of death and destruction in order to renew and grow. Anyone born
in this sign can also be very secretive and will intently search for the truth if
they have reason to do so. Scorpio focuses on our ability to develop and
reinforce our resources as a result of the influence the world as a whole has
on us. It also focuses on the resources of other people and the role they are
likely to play in our lives, and on our power to transform our resources through
regeneration.

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Interpretation
When the Death card appears in a spread it signifies that a major change is
about to take place. Something is coming to an end that may turn out to be
beneficial and favourable for you, but this ending is necessary and inevitable.
This card appears when you are facing a significant turn of events such as, a
job change, the loss of a job, marriage, the end of a relationship, loss of a
friendship, parenthood, leaving home, or a complete change to your way of
life. However, a new life is promised once you are rid of the old one, because
a complete transformation is being offered to you. In order to move forward
you have to let go of the past and put it behind you, and you might have to get
rid of any attitudes or situations that you have outgrown, in order to take
advantage of the new opportunities that are coming up. You may find it
difficult to come to terms with but do not despair, because you could find
yourself in new relationships, in new surroundings and facing new challenges.

Whatever the change, you need to bravely accept that you can no longer hold
on to the past. You must have a new outlook on life and look forward to fresh
horizons. It is the end of an era and a new beginning, and a turning point in
your life or situation in which you will emerge stronger. Each phase serves its
purpose and then we move on to the next. It could be you that ends a
situation or relationship that is making you miserable or seems to be going
nowhere, or you may feel that you have to abandon a relationship because
you feel trapped by your partner’s jealousy or possessiveness.

The Death card is about the necessary and inevitable endings to make new
beginnings possible. If you think of it in terms of life itself it is renewal and
rebirth, and can also mean the death of someone you know. Obviously this
can be very upsetting, however remember it rarely means physical death, just
the death of something that is no longer of use to you.

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Negative
There may be a danger of financial losses, or illness through neglecting or
foolishly exhausting your physical resources. Lethargy and inertia may be
having a harmful influence on you. You probably feel that life is very boring,
and you cannot be bothered to do anything about it. Don’t cling on to a partner
or a situation if it is not working out. You may lack motivation at this time but
sooner or later you will begin a new cycle. The Death card is not much
different when reversed.

People
Those who are undergoing major changes in life. Those who can help to
change your life. Those making a fresh start. Those who cling on to the past
because they don’t like change or are frightened to go forward. Those who
improve their financial position to enable them to add to their possessions.
Those building an enterprise. Those increasing their mental ability by
analysing and exploring the physical laws of the world. Those increasing their
spiritual ability. Those achieving regeneration. Those in study and research
that requires intense application.

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 14 Temperance

Astrological Influence: Sagittarius

Key words and phrases: Modulation; moderation;

prudence; tolerance; a middle course; a balanced
viewpoint; a sense of proper timing; fairness; absence
of prejudice. Not taking an extreme position;
compromise; descent of spirit into matter; discretion;
intermingling; fruitful combination; the right mixture;
artistic creation; compatibility; calm capability; merging
of diverse forces; equilibrium; composure; tranquillity;
peace; morality; harmonious balance; coordination; patience; forgiveness;
accommodation; adaptation; wise management; frugality; mercy; a balanced
expression of sexuality; reasonableness; compassion; friendship; cooperation;
reconciliation; gentleness; purification or cleansing of the soul; a mixed
marriage; interracial harmony; everything in moderation.

Symbolic Meaning
The most common image of Temperance is a winged angel with a halo
around his head, the sign of the sun upon his forehead and the square and
the triangle of the septenary on his chest. The angel is standing astride a river
or stream and pouring water from one chalice to another. There is a path to
the left of him that leads to a range of mountains on the horizon, and above
this mountain range is a great light forming the shape of a crown.

Angels are always messengers, protectors and guardians. They are

universal, being a part of all religions. Angels operate as emissaries between
God and man, and there are many references to them in all holy scriptures,
including Christianity, Judaism, and Islamic doctrine.

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They symbolise guidance, advice or help, and suggest that a higher force is
available to us and help will be provided if we need it. Angels represent the
desire to connect with our spiritual side, and are a symbol of something in our
subconscious psyche that can remove obstacles and push our progress
towards fulfilment and happiness.

A halo is a symbol of divinity or sanctity, and is often depicted as a bright

nimbus around the head of a saint or deity, which is based on the nimbus that
surrounds the sun. It signifies our inner wisdom, power and our true and
whole self. The halo is used in Christian art and also appears in Buddhist
spiritual traditions.

The sign of the sun is an ancient ideogram for the sun and is used around
the world on such subjects as astronomy and astrology. It is associated with
the principle of authority, the father being the first example, and is linked with
creative energy, health and vitality, influencing both physical and
psychological development, and striving for psychic integration or
enlightenment. The sign of the sun signifies the awakening of our spiritual
awareness and the creative use of our intellect. It suggests that there may be
a new life or a new phase in our personal development, and is a sign of future
good health, good fortune, and sound friendships and relationships.

The square symbolises the earth element, or land and ground, and signifies
the manifestation of the spirit into the physical. It is associated with the
number four and represents structure, order, stability, solidity, organisation,
power, intellect, justice and supremacy.

The triangle is associated with aspirations, goals, new possibilities and

spiritual pursuit. It is also associated with the number three, which is a symbol
of power, success, prosperity and safety.

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Both of these shapes put together become a septenary shape, a figure with
seven facets, and associated with the number seven, which is a sacred,
mystical and magical number, and is a symbol of completeness, wholeness
and perfection.

The river or stream symbolises healing or reinvigoration and a relaxed free

flow of energy.

Water often represents the source of life. We cannot live without water, and
we use it every day. We drink it, cook with it, wash ourselves, our clothes, and
our pots and pans with it, swim in it, fish in it, have fun in it, travel on it, and
grow plants and produce with the help of it. It is a symbol of fertility, growth,
creative potential, new life and healing, and also represents our emotions or
psychic energy. As a psychological symbol, water is linked with the
subconscious, the soul, feelings and the flow of life. It represents cleansing,
being able to wash away the things that affect us, such as habits, beliefs and
concepts that we may have inherited from family. Water can also represent
our potential and our ability to create a new life. Pouring the water from one
chalice to the other symbolises the flow of life and the vital connection
between the conscious and the subconscious mind. It reminds us that if it
stops flowing our emotions will become spiritless.

The water element is associated with the chalice or the cup, which
symbolises intuition and the emotions, and with healing in such matters as
love, sex, relationships and children. Chalices or cups signify that we are
receptive to intuitive information, and represents our feminine side, therefore
suggesting that if we are intuitively open to our feminine side, we are then
more able to both give and receive help and assistance with love and
sensitivity. In Christianity, the chalice is a vessel of plenty and immortality.

The path indicates how we feel about our own “path in life,” and our hopes,
dreams and fears, and the obstacles or challenges we have to overcome. It

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may signify the direction we need to take concerning our relationships, career,
etc. A path can also symbolise our spiritual progress and development.

Mountains can be viewed as obstacles that are either frightening or daunting,

or exciting and challenging. Therefore may symbolise rising above the
common pursuits of our everyday life, or going in search of our true self.
Mountains are about the challenges, obstacles and goals in our lives, and the
way we approach them.

A crown is obviously a symbol of royalty, and brings with it authority, power,

wealth, status and responsibility. Therefore it is suggesting that we recognise
that we have opportunities that will increase our knowledge and awareness to
attain the success we are striving for. Crowns can represent victory and
dedication to duty, or can imply that we are about to receive an honour of
some kind. It can also represent status and recognition. A crown could be a
signal to our subconscious to remind us to look at the achievements in our
lives and acknowledge them as successes to build upon. The great light
forming the shape of a crown represents that part of the secret of life can be
found here.

The whole image reflects the process of mixing and blending due to a desire
to unite opposites in order to find the right balance, and create a feeling of
harmony. Compromise, cooperation and negotiation are frequently needed,
as are the sharing of feelings in difficult relationships. It indicates the need for
balanced emotions and the development of happy relationships. If we are to
find a physical, mental or emotional balance then our feelings need to be
allowed to flow. Conflicts need to be resolved in a calm and peaceful way, and
finding a middle path is the best strategy. The Temperance card symbolises
moderation, discipline and frugality, meaning that we might need to be patient
and bring a little moderation into our lives. The Latin temperare means to
moderate, mix, blend and bring into harmony, and the Latin word tempore
means “in the time of,” like the word tempo does in music. Therefore, this card

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symbolises that if we learn to moderate certain aspects of our lives then, in
time, our lives will run smoother.

The number fourteen is associated with this card, which suggests the need for
control if harmony is to be achieved. The moon is positioned midway between
the new and full moon on the fourteenth day of its cycle. This number can be
reduced to five (1+ 4 = 5), which suggests that lessons need to be learned
and problems need to be solved, it is a time of ups and downs and a time for
changes. Five is associated with love, health, sensuality, meditation, analysis,
criticism and the heart. It signifies spiritual power, inner wisdom and mental
inspiration, and also the ability to combine information. The number five
influences activity, seeks constant change and variety, and also uses
experience to put things into action, and is a number that needs social
contact, education, ideas and communication with others. Anyone with a
strong influence of the number five will hate to be tied down and will need the
freedom to move and express themselves.

In Greek mythology there were five goddesses of peace, Concordia, Pallas,

Peace, Venus and Vesta, and rode on horseback bringing peace and
harmony.

This card is also about the blending of the male and female elements. In
Chinese philosophy are the principles of Yin and Yang. Yin is the negative,
dark, moist, cold, female principle representing earth and passivity. Yang is
the positive, light, dry, hot, male principle representing creation, dominance
and heaven. These opposing but complementary forces are said to uphold the
entire universe and can be represented as good and evil, life and death, male
and female, lightness and darkness, and so on, and are together symbolised
by the circular T’ai Chi.

In Greek mythology, Hermaphroditus the son of Hermes and Aphrodite,

spurned the advances of the nymph Salmakis. She prayed to be united with

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him, and when they were bathing in a spring one day she embraced him and
their bodies merged into one. It was said that if any man bathed in that spring
would be turned into Hermaphrodites. This story indicates the mixing and
blending of opposites to the extreme.

The astrological influence of this card is the zodiacal sign of Sagittarius. This
sign likes to physically bond with nature and enjoys competition, adventure
and exploration. Sagittarians need to experience a change of scenery, to
express their emotions, and to be at one with their environment and enjoy it to
the full. They like to focus on the world outside their immediate surroundings
and the means by which they make contact with it either physically, mentally
or spiritually, through travel, exploration or education, and through the law,
philosophy or religion.

The Temperance card tells us that we need to adapt to the changes of our
circumstances while maintaining our sense of self.

Interpretation
When the Temperance card appears in a spread it usually represents a
transaction or a negotiation that is happening now or about to begin. It
suggests that you have what you want but there is something that you are
unhappy or unsure about, and there is still an underlying measure of doubt or
worry. This card is asking you to go with the flow to see how things develop.
Temperance represents balance, coordination, and the ability to live and work
in harmony with others. You need to adopt a balance and moderate your
approach in relation to yourself and others, and retain a sense of security and
stability. The way forward is through compromise and cooperation, which will
bring happiness into your relationships with others.

It also indicates the necessity to live economically and to manage your affairs
carefully, and be willing to change and create a more balanced and happier
way of life. True harmony and integrity is only possible when we learn to

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balance the material and spiritual aspects of our lives. This card is about
obtaining security through economical and thrifty management, so you need
to be patient as you build for the future. Try to moderate in everything, curb
any extravagant tendencies that you may have and adopt a more cautious
and sensible attitude, especially where your finances and health are
concerned.

If you are involved in a dispute or disagreement in your personal or working

life don’t react hastily or jump into the middle of a situation without thinking,
take time to explore your feelings. By being patient and compassionate you
will be able to transform the tension and conflict within you to bring about a
creative and constructive result. You will be able to see and understand both
sides of the argument, which will enable you to resolve matters and get on
with the relationship. The Temperance card is excellent if you are involved in
creative work or looking for new ways to approach a project, you must grab
any new possibilities and opportunities that come your way.

With time everything will be sorted out, there is renewal in your life and your
business and personal affairs will be stable and balanced. There is hope and
light at the end of the tunnel, and you will feel secure and happy with your life.
Avoid trying to keep the peace with continual hostile groups at the expense of
your inner harmony. You need to take all things in moderation and also one
day at a time.

Negative
There may be mishaps with travel or interruptions with your education. Things
are out of balance. There is an atmosphere of competitiveness around you
that has either been forced upon you or other people are competing against
you. Pay attention to your health, you may be wasting your energy or trying to
do too much. There may be conflict and arguments in your relationship and
you or your partner cannot come to a compromise. You are being
inconsiderate or over-indulgent and others are annoyed by your selfish

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behaviour. Try to be more considerate, and make your life more balanced and
less one-sided.

People
Those in a mixed marriage. Those who successfully spread information.
Those who are capable of writing and publishing books and articles. Those
who have a sense of measure. Talkative people. Those who are gentle,
understanding and well-balanced. Those who are trying to improve their
education. Those who gain honours. Those who have opportunities for travel.
Managers. Mediators. Spiritualists.

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 15 The Devil

Astrological Influence: Capricorn

Key words and phrases: Bondage; the power of

negative thinking; finding it hard to let go; pessimism;
refusal to leave a bad situation; excessive
dependency; unnecessary guilt; heavy commitments;
confronting your personal demons; darkness; the
need to see things clearly; excessive attachment to
material goods; vanity; selfishness; unhealthy
attachments; greed; lust; powerful sexual urges;
inhibitions; fears; hang-ups; self-doubts; hopelessness; oppression; ties that
bind; unhappy choices; feeling stuck in a confined situation or relationship; co-
dependency; enslavement; imprisonment; indulgence; addiction; caught in a
vice of your own making; obsession with power, sex or money; sadism;
cruelty; a conflict between money and spiritual well-being; primitive urges;
uncontrolled passions; addictions; perversions; sexual instincts; repressed
fears; one’s Achilles’ heal; Jung’s concept of the Shadow.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck the Devil is standing on a pedestal in the form of a horned
goat with the wings of a bat and the claws of an eagle. On his forehead is a
reversed pentagram, and in the pit of his stomach is the sign of Mercury. His
right hand is raised with his fingers extended, and in his left hand there is a
large inverted inflamed torch pointing towards the earth. There is a ring on the
front of the pedestal where two chains are attached to a male and female who
have horns growing from their heads.

The devil is usually depicted as a demon with bat wings, claws, horns and
tails because of the Judaeo-Christian attitude of superiority over animals and

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nature. Christianity chose to follow the Judaic idea of demons as being angels
who fell from heaven when Satan rebelled against God.

The name Satan comes from the Hebrew “adversary” or “opposition.” As

Christian imagery evolved the devil became portrayed as a new terrifying
image of a monster, and probably because during the early Middle Ages he
was seen as wicked but not frightening. If we try to understand that the devil
is just a symbol of an aspect of our Shadow side that needs to be confronted,
then the devil will lose its potency. It basically signifies that we are in a
negative situation and our judgement is clouded, and we should take time to
look carefully at the dilemma and maybe ask for advice.

The horned goat is an ambiguous symbol that signifies virility, lust, cunning
and destructiveness in the male, and fecundity and nourishment in the female.
In Roman myth the cornucopia derives from the horn of the goat, Amaltheia,
the revered wet-nurse of the baby Zeus.

In its negative aspect, the horned goat signifies the darker side of human
nature, immortality and open sexuality. In its positive aspect signifies creative
energy and masculine vitality. As a strong climber, the goat signifies that our
ambitions and determination are strong and we will eventually reach our aims.

The goat’s symbolism changed through the centuries. In early Europe the
male goat was a symbol of procreative power, the libido, fertility and the life
force, and was sacred to the Greek gods Dionysus and Pan. Then in the Old
Testament book of Leviticus, the goat became a “scapegoat” for the sins of
humanity, and came to symbolise sexual excess and associated with evil, and
by the Middle Ages the goat’s characteristics became attributed to the devil.

The reversed pentagram has two upper points, therefore is associated with
the horns of the devil, evil and witchcraft. It is a symbol of terror, disharmony
and evil thought. An upright pentagram is used as a defence against witches

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and demons, and in the Aurthurian stories, Gawain had this symbol
emblazoned on his shield.

With the Devil card being a negative card, the sign of Mercury signifies that
we need to be aware of changes in our career, home, or upsets in the family,
probably through our own restlessness or lack of intelligent planning. It also
signifies trouble through slander or malicious gossip, domestic squabbling and
altercations, mistakes in matters involving detail, and accidents through
carelessness or lack of awareness on our part or those around us.

In Christian iconography, a hand represents God’s blessing and intervention,

however the devil’s gesture with extended fingers reverses the blessing.
Hands are two of the most expressive parts of the body and signify power and
creativity. The open hand represents justice and may suggest that we are
inwardly crying out for help, or we should give a great deal of thought and
care to our situation.

The inverted torch is a symbol of illumination and signifies the need to carry
the light in our hearts and minds. It suggests that we may need to light up the
passage of our journey because we may need guidance to see our way
forward.

The chains symbolise the bondage, enslavement and liability of our material
life. They are a symbol of attachment and connection, and the relationship
between two things. Chains suggest that we need to free ourselves from
suppressing attitudes. They can suggest that a desire of ours has been
repressed because of guilt-feelings attached to it, or some part of us needs to
be given more freedom of action.

The horns are symbolic of the male sexuality, virility and aggression, and the
power of growth within the mind. Horns also represent the idea of the animal
nature within us, or aspects of our psyche that we normally repress, but will

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have to be resolved otherwise we will remain prisoners to our egotistical
materialism. This is the side of our nature that can cause problems in our
lives, and can even be transmitted to others.

On the whole, the Devil card shows a similarity to the sixth card, the Lovers,
but after their fall from grace.

In Hebrew mythology, Satan is depicted as being similar with horns, bat-like

wings, a tail and cloven hooves. He is a fertility god and a demon of sorcery,
and one of the Grand Dignitaries in black magic.

The Devil card symbolises our own ignorance and our blind pursuit of
pleasure without the consideration of anything else. It suggests that we need
to recognise and balance the good and bad aspects of our nature. This card is
about the seven deadly sins, lust, pride, anger, covetousness, gluttony, envy
and sloth. Jung termed these characteristics as “the Shadow” or our dark
side. In Aramaic mythology they believed that temptation came through
Mammon, a demon of avarice or temptation.

The Greek Dionysus was credited with the invention of wine and became its
patron god. During his life on earth he was accompanied by a band of satyrs,
and a group of wild and frenzied women called the Maenads. The satyrs were
gods of the woodlands and were part man and part goat with long tails, it is
said they were the sons of Hermes and brothers of the nymphs. Dionysus
drove mad the three daughters of Minyas, the King of Thessaly, when they
refused his invitation to join his drunken revelry.

Pan, the Greek god of flocks, shepherds and woods was also part man and
part goat. It was said that he seduced a number of nymphs and goddesses,
including Echo, who was a nymph of Mount Helicon and could only repeat the
spoken words of other people, Eupheme, another nymph and the nurse to the
Muses, and Selene, a moon goddess and goddess of magicians. We can see

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the connection here with the overindulgent characteristics of the Devil. Some
also say that Capricorn was Pan.

The Devil is numbered fifteen which can be reduced to the number six (1+ 5 =
6), which is the number for balance but can show weakness when it comes to
making decisions. The number six is also about adaptability and the need to
make changes in times of difficulty. It is a symbol of union and equilibrium,
and the number of celestial power and longevity. As a hexagon it signifies
harmony and balance, and in Pythagorean theory signifies justice. Six is also
associated with sin in the New Testament book of Revelation, as 666, it
becomes the number of the beast of the Apocalypse.

The astrological influence of the Devil is the zodiacal sign of Capricorn, which
is a sign of ambition, intelligence and strong willpower channelled towards a
single goal. Capricorn focuses on the way we project our collective, absorbed
and digested experiences upon the world, our conscious striving to attain a
chosen goal, our position in the world and the way we earn our living.
Capricorns have a sensuous streak and enjoy wealth, comfort and pleasure.
They always keep their cool and are logical, rational and level headed. This
sometimes makes them seem distant, insensitive and closed to the ideas of
others.

Interpretation
When the Devil appears in a spread there is a need for you to review your ties
to destructive relationships, material possessions, uninhibited passions and
money. This card also sometimes appears when you stay in a relationship for
reasons other than love. It means that you may be overly concerned with
material and physical things, and are clinging to limited beliefs and values that
are holding you back.

You might feel that you are trapped in a relationship or some other oppressive
situation, and feel angry or frustrated by the uncomfortable circumstances that

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you find yourself in. Perhaps some other appetite or addiction is controlling
your life, such as lust, greed, alcohol or drugs. However, you should try to
avoid any temptation that may hurt you or others. Maybe your relationship is
not love, but based on physical attraction, there are probably tears but you
stay because you can’t physically bear to be parted, even though the
arguments and yelling have become the everyday norm.

It could also be that someone has a hold over with money by trying to buy
your friendship and love, and you stay for financial reasons. In these
conditions you are tying yourself to limiting habits that keep you trapped in
unpleasant circumstances, and choosing this negative approach that will
cause unhappy results. Perhaps you are finding it hard to express your
negative feelings, or you have not yet found the solution to pull you out of this
negative situation, you need to recognise these emotions and have the
courage to break free. Maybe you are tired of not having enough money and
you have the urge to push yourself to reach your aims and improve your
financial and material wellbeing. It could also be that you are harbouring guilt
feelings from the past or habits you are embarrassed or ashamed of.

The Devil card is a sexual symbol and can mean that with women there may
be a fear of sexual relations, and with men they may have a guilt-ridden
attitude towards their own sexuality.

Once you realise the root cause of your difficulty, reflect a while on your
situation or even ask others for advice. Eventually you will be able to take the
responsibility for your actions and be able to break free. You may even start to
save or collect items, which is fine as long as it doesn’t become obsessive.
Don’t become a victim of your vanity and pride. Beware of your dark side.

Negative
There is a danger of damage to your prestige, and maybe upsets in your
career or domestic life. Perhaps you are blind to your own faults or those of

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others, or blind to the unrestrainable urges and desires that are destructive or
self-destructive. Money and power may have taken over any other
considerations. This card is a warning against any abuse of power, money
and sex. Is there emotional blackmail happening within your relationship that
is making it hard for you to break free, even though you are unhappy? You
may have fantasies about some sexual activities that you want to act out. It
can also mean that you are involved in negative or underhanded activities or
people. Maybe you are overindulging or addicted to alcohol or drugs. Don’t let
obsession and the past get in the way of progress.

People
Those who are passionate, creative, productive or destructive and ready to
use any means possible to reach their aims. Those who feel tied and
enslaved to a situation or relationship. Those who are trying to improve their
domestic conditions. Those who are opening up to fresh avenues of
experience.

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 16 The Tower

Astrological Influence: Mars

Key words and phrases: Collapse of an old way of

life; modification; disruption; shock; havoc; awakening;
instability; a jolting insight; a shocking revelation; a
traumatic experience; major transformation; a crisis
point; a surprise; unavoidable change; release from
bondage; structural flaws; liberation; breaking free;
rapid change; disturbing news; eliminating what is
worthless; release from self-imposed captivity;
disappointment; collapse of plans; breaking down outmoded forms; demolition
of useless structure; confronting shame and guilt; casting off false values; a
moment of truth; destruction of something corrupt; freedom; enlightenment;
social conventions that bind you; a new job; a change of residence; a
disturbing incident; separation; a divorce; an accident; problems with property;
bankruptcy; loss of security.

Symbolic Meaning
A lightening bolt strikes the top of the Tower causing it to crumble. The crown
is blown off the top of the Tower and two figures fall to the rocks below, and
there is an aggressive fire burning out of control from the top to the bottom of
the Tower.

The lightening bolt symbolises wrath and destruction, but also fertility and
inspiration. It is an important message that is forcing us to conduct a reality
check, a flash of insight to free ourselves of conflict. The lightening bolt
denotes unexpected changes possibly through a sudden flash of insight or
awareness of the way we are living our lives, which may be destructive but
also brings a positive change.

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In Hinduism and Buddhism, it is believed that when a diamond-shaped
thunderbolt strikes (vajra), it signifies that the destructive and creative
powers are destroying illusions and wrongdoings so that clarity and good
prevail.

In African mythology, Gbade, a young thunder god in Dahomey is said to use

lightening as a weapon, with which he kills wrongdoers. The possessions of
a man killed this way are scattered by the roadside and anyone who touches
them will be killed in the same way.

The dislodged crown signifies that we have lost our power, authority, status
and recognition. It suggests that we need to look carefully into the causes of
our collapse, and to look at our achievements in life to see if we can build on
them again.

The two figures are male and female, a symbol of duality, and represent
conflicting thought and actions that will inevitably lead to eruption, loss of
control, falling from power or grace, loss, reduction, getting into trouble, falling
out of favour, and nothing can be done except hope for the best.

The aggressive fire symbolises how much control do we really have over a
volatile situation or relationship. However, this fire is out of control, which
suggests a lack of constraint, or fears about a fraught situation in our life, and
it is becoming overwhelming or having devastating consequences, indicating
changes are long overdue. A fire can indicate a radical way of thinking as we
realise that we can no longer go on in the same way and anything that has
outlived its purpose must be eliminated.

The Tower is the first reference to a material building. It is about sudden

change, unexpected events or devastating conditions, which could be in the
form of business or financial problems, separations or divorce, conflicts, loss
of faith in our self or the world, in which drastic measures have to be taken. It

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represents the circumstances and situations that restrict and inhibit our
development. This card symbolises what could become our worst nightmare,
and is a wake up call telling us to get our house in order. It is a warning
against vanity, pride and arrogance, and even though the signs were there,
we either refused to admit the problems or were just too blind to see them,
and continued to sit in our “Ivory Tower.” The Tower is man-made and
represents man’s attempt to reach the heavens.

It is derived from the Tower of Babel, which was built with the intention to
reach heaven. When this tower was built Babel planned to invade God’s
domain to avenge his ancestors who were drowned in the Flood that Noah
survived. Babel’s tower was said to have contained all the knowledge in the
world that was situated in a library within the tower. God destroyed the tower
to show that knowledge alone did not make a person great, and that a person
needs humility and wisdom in order to make sense and good use of
knowledge.

The Tower card can make us feel liberated and alarmed by the experience,
but it gives us a chance to clear out the old and build on new foundations that
support our beliefs and values. The structure that we have built in our lives
need to be torn down because it no longer supports the truth of who we are.
The collapse will be a blessing, especially when we realise it was imprisoning
us and no longer supporting us.

The Tower is number sixteen, and in ancient myth was associated with “the
falling tower”, signifying a sudden collapse of something we have worked hard
to achieve. Sixteen can be reduced to the number seven (1+ 6 = 7), and is the
number for control and taking charge, and for introspection and asking
questions to ourselves.

The Ancient Egyptians believed there were seven gods of light and seven of
darkness. There are seven days in a week, seven colours of the rainbow, and

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seven main chakras in the human body. However it can also mean change as
in “the seven year itch.”

The number seven is a meditative number and suggests the need to take time
out to reflect on things, or an inward journey to practical and spiritual
enlightenment.

The astrological influence of the Tower is the planet Mars, which stimulates
our energy, drive, initiative and competitive instincts, it has a passionate
nature, which drives us to action and self-assertion. However, when this ability
to act is upset, and assertiveness is either inhibited or prevented then
problems may be created through carelessness, followed by bouts of violence
and revolt. We may feel that we have got ourselves under reasonable control,
but the universe reminds us that we are not in control of everything.

Interpretation
When the Tower appears in a spread you are in, or will soon be in, a
necessary and inevitable change that will possibly alter the way you live your
life. This change is about to turn your life upside-down and will bring with it an
unexpected alteration to your circumstances. The structure of your life is
beginning to crumble and these changes will come as a shock as disruptions
and setbacks begin to occur, everything you have taken for granted is about
to be challenged.

The feeling for your partner may have gone sour and you are finding the
relationship difficult at the moment. It could be the end of a relationship, the
loss of a job, in fact any situation that threatens your security. You may
suddenly hand in your notice, find yourself redundant or your current plans
and projects don’t get off the ground. How you respond will determine the
outcome, you may have to change your old outworn beliefs, values or
behaviour, adopt a new set of attitudes and focus on getting your house and
your life in order. This can be done by overcoming vain and selfish ambition,

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getting out of old restrictive situations that are disruptive, that are imposed by
others or by your own past actions, or any situation that no longer helps your
growth. You must deal with the collapse of your old way of life and identify
with what you truly value. This upheaval is giving you the chance to climb out
of the rut you have been in.

The Tower card is offering you the opportunity to reassess your relationships
and lifestyle, and make a brand new start to restructure your life in order to
live in more accordance with your true self. There is nothing you can do to
stop this destruction except see what can be salvaged from it. Besides,
nothing new will happen in your life without this total change. You will feel
liberated, free and relieved once the storm has gone, and it will turn out to be
very positive in the end. Learn from your past mistakes.

Negative
There may be difficulties resulting from recklessness, undue haste, or lack of
energy and initiative. Hostility or domestic strife could arise from your own
aggressiveness, assertiveness or ill-regulated passions. Perhaps you are
being dominated by someone or by a situation. You could find yourself with no
money and unemployed through no fault of your own. Relationships may
suddenly break up leaving you feeling deceived, betrayed and abandoned by
your partner. You want to know why, but cannot get any answers. A court
case may be imminent concerning bills or bankruptcy. Perhaps you have
become so depressed with your situation that you cannot be bothered to
make any effort to get out of it. Eventually, in some way, you will overcome
your problems and have a fresh start.

People
Those who cause upheaval and disruption. Those who bring about drastic
changes in their lives. Those who feel abandoned deceived and betrayed.
Those who are trying to clear away old attitudes and possessions as a start to

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future accomplishment. Those whose resources have been exhausted as a
result of over-stimulation of passions, overexertion, or fits of temper.

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 17 The Star

Astrological Influence: Aquarius

Key words and phrases: Hope; inspiration; luck;

tranquillity; optimism; trust; enjoyment; faith in the
future; confidence; comfort; relief; renewal; happiness;
promise; help; protection; restoration; spiritual love;
selflessness; illumination; reflection; a special talent;
harmony; enthusiasm; creativity; fertility; charisma;
grace; beauty; peace; refreshment; balance; poise;
emotional and spiritual riches; inner guidance; a sense
of direction; expanded horizons; inner healing; renewed health; guiding light;
higher knowledge; occult understanding; ability to plan for the future;
meditation; learning astrology; spiritual growth; faith; contemplation; aid from
many sources; help from above; education.

Symbolic Meaning
This card depicts a great eight-pointed radiant star that is surrounded by
seven smaller stars in a blue sky, with a naked young female pouring water
from two jugs. Behind the female and to her right is a mountain, and to her left
is a tree or a shrub where a bird is perched.

A star signifies light, inspiration, rebirth, renewal, good health, hope,

aspiration, ideal and guidance.

The eight-pointed star is associated with the Morning Star. The Star of
Ishtar, or Morning Star, was used as a guide throughout the East for many
centuries before the birth of Christ.

In Babylonian and Assyrian mythology, Ishtar is the powerful goddess of love,

peace and hope, and is associated with Venus, the goddess of love. Ishtar is
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said to have descended to the underworld in search of her lover then returned
to life just as the Evening Star disappeared from view, before appearing again
as the Morning Star.

The other seven stars relate to the Pleiades, or the Seven Sisters, a
constellation of stars representing the mother goddess, Net, in Ancient Egypt.

The blue sky symbolises inspiration, creativity and aspiration, reminding us

that we have a bright and positive outlook in our lives.

The female is entirely naked symbolising innocence and the desire to be

open and honest. She is at ease and has nothing to hide or fear. We are all
born naked therefore this card represents rebirth, or the need for a new start.

The jug in her right hand symbolises our consciousness and means that we
should be aware of pouring away or wasting our energies, the jug in her left
hand symbolises our subconscious, meaning that we must face the emotions
that are affecting us and not bury them deep within us.

The mountain represents the obstacles that we need to overcome, and is a

symbol of transcendence, eternity, purity, and spiritual ascent.

The bird represents aspiration and illumination, and is symbolic of flying

above the restrictions we have found ourselves in. It is believed that this bird
is an Ibis, which according to the Ancient Egyptians is a sacred symbol of
wisdom and related to the incarnation of Thoth. Thoth was the god of art, law,
magic, the moon, science, time, writing and wisdom, who became the scribe
and keeper of records, and was credited with the invention of hieroglyphics.

The Star card is a sign that we are being guided through our difficulties, so as
long as we are open and receptive we will reach our chosen goal. This card is
telling us to rid ourselves of doubt, and trust the outcome before the light

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fades and leaves our lives dull and boring. Once we have a sense of purpose,
we are able to direct our hopes and wishes in a more positive way, which
leads to fulfilment. Even if life is challenging as long as we have hope and
faith then anything is possible. This card encourages us to develop our innate
potential to open new doors.

The number of the Star is seventeen and believed to be a lucky number.

Those born on the seventeenth are supposed to be intuitive and destined to
be wealthy. It is the number of immortality, beauty, self-expression and hope.
The number seventeen reduces to the number eight (1+ 7 = 8), which
symbolises infinity or eternity, and indicates a positive change of mind or
status and is the number of cosmic balance.

In African belief the number eight is associated with water and semen, both
are needed for growth, it is also a lucky number in China.

The astrological influence of the Star is the zodiacal sign of Aquarius. It

relates to the blending of intuition (water) and reason (the sign’s air element).
Aquarius focuses on our ability to express our individuality through
friendships, ideals, creative abilities and participation in enterprise. Aquarius is
the sign associated with humanitarian ideals, inventiveness, progressive
thinking and originality. This is a sign of serenity, good-tempered feelings and
inner harmony. Inner balance is based on dynamism, the ability to make
decisions and to adapt.

Interpretation
When the Star appears in a spread it means that you have probably been
going through difficulties and are now entering a period of renewal in which
you will gain fresh vitality. You will soon be able to see the light at the end of
the tunnel and your thoughts, ideas, plans and hopes start to take shape.
Your imagination is in control and everything is beginning to turn positive. If
you have been struggling help is on the way and your guardian angel is

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looking after you. You will receive love and spiritual guidance even through
these difficult times. New life will be shown to you, new horizons are opening
up, your life will be filled with purpose and you will feel rejuvenated.

New opportunities and chances are being presented to you and you will soon
experience joy and an uplifting feeling. You will gain fresh insight into old
problems, and whatever position you are in, you can make your dreams come
true and part of reality again. New successful prospects fulfil you hopes and
plans. It could be the ideal career opportunity where you find yourself in an
organisation that aims to help others, such as care work, human rights,
nursing or ‘green’ issues. Maybe you will meet the perfect partner that will
develop into a happy and balanced relationship, and possibly even a birth.

It is also a good time to awaken your creative talents because recognition in

the arts, music or theatre is a possibility when the Star appears. Don’t spend
your life dreaming and not doing, be strong and confident and have faith in
yourself. Your vitality will outshine everyone else and you can expect a happy
outcome.

Negative
There may be temporary setbacks, such as delays in your work projects or
difficulties in studies. Perhaps there is a lack of trust with relationships at
home or work. Maybe past experiences make it hard for you to believe in joy
and happiness, or you find it hard to express your emotions. You may feel
depressed and pessimistic about the future, or doubt your own abilities. You
may be frightened to grab opportunities for yourself, and instead are following
other people’s influences, ideas and thoughts. It could be that a conman has
taken advantage of you, or you have been a victim of theft.

People
Those who hope to achieve. Those who try to make their ideas, thoughts,
plans or beliefs a reality. Those who assist others. Doctors. Nurses. Healers.

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Carers. A guardian angel. Pessimists. Those who are good at making friends.
Those who are realising their ideals.

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 18 The Moon

Astrological Influence: Pisces

Key words and phrases: Self-deception; past

conditioning affects present behaviour; a time to be
passive and receptive; intuition; strong emotions;
secret truths; psychic awareness; mediumship; the
uncanny; dreams; imagination; fantasy; the
netherworld; the mother; the female archetype;
change; mystery; bewilderment; the creative potential
of the unconscious mind; fiction; creative writing;
acting; work involving illusion; the entertainment industry; travel; escapism;
confusion; deception; trickery; insincerity; slander; lies; betrayal; muddled
thinking; infidelity; fear; craftiness; deceit; uncertainty; insecurity; fluctuation;
illusion; doubt; indecision; bad dreams; apprehension; negative moods;
depression; overwhelming emotion; neuroticism.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck the Moon card depicts two canines that seem to be howling
at the waxing moon as a shellfish tries to climb out of a pool in front of them,
and a path winds its way between two columns and over the hills into the
unknown.

The moon is connected to the pull on our emotions associated with feeling,
irrationality and the subconscious or hidden. It symbolises the waxing and
waning of the rhythms of life, the unending cycles of change, and its
symbolism is predominantly associated with the feminine cycles as the
waxing moon is a symbol of fertility. The moon is linked to the imagination,
intuition, psychic powers and dreaming, and the new moon is connected to
our receptivity, instinct, the subconscious mind, emotional life and our ability
to react, it is also a symbol of the mother or women in general. The moon’s
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phases have significant influence, a waxing moon suggests that it is a good
time for us to make plans, a full moon signifies success and fruition, and a
waning moon urges us to take care of our energy levels.

The two canines are a dog and a wolf symbolising the fears of the mind,
they are uncomfortable in this environment because their only guide out of
there is reflected light, which leads to the unknown.

It was a common belief that howling canines was a warning of a coming

death. In Celtic and Christian belief a dog is loyal, protective and vigilant, but
in ancient thought they were associated with the underworld, where they
acted like a guide and guardian. In Japan and China they are guardian
symbols, but they also have demonic links in China.

A hostile dog suggests that someone around us does not have your interests
at heart, and a barking dog is a “wake up” call to alert us to danger or to new
possibilities. Dogs are usually sociable therefore it could signify that we might
need to make more of an effort to connect with others.

At times the wolf is associated with courage and victory, but at other times
with cruelty, cunning and greed, and thought of as tricksters and a figure of
deceit. The wolf symbolises wisdom, knowledge, and the ability to keep the
family together. Family is very important to a wolf and therefore signifies a
powerful connection with others. It can also suggest that we may need to tap
into our own instinctive nature. However, because the wolf can also be
cunning, it may indicate that we are being threatened by others, or could
mean sexual “animal” lust as the word “wolf” is often applied to men whose
sex life is purely “animal.”

The columns are a symbol of temporal and spiritual authority, aspiration and
power. They represent the polarities of male and female, positive and
negative, life and death, creation and destruction, and so on.

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Solomon’s Temple had installed one black column and one white column.
The black column Jachin symbolised the moon, decay, the waning year and
cursing, its meaning was “it will stand.” The white column Boaz means “in
strength,” the sun, the waxing year and blessing. These two columns are
illustrated on the High Priestess card. The columns suggest that we are able
to create stability and support, and urges us to stand firm when the going gets
tough.

The shellfish on the card is trying to make an appearance but it will generally
fall back into the sea because its movement is governed by lunar tides, it
hunts when the tide comes in and seeks refuge when the tide goes out. The
crab or crayfish represents the earliest stages of our development. When we
crawl out into the world we become more aware of what is going on around
us, which is usually more than we realised.

The path represents how we feel about our “path in life”, and may signify the
path of our relationships, career, etc. The twists and turns on the path
symbolise confusion and setbacks, but we must be strong and travel through
the gateway and down the path to enlightenment.

In Greek mythology, Hecate the Lunar goddess was a three-headed or three-

bodied goddess of darkness, fertility, the Moon, streets, the underworld and
witchcraft. She helped Demeter to search for Persephone in the underworld.
White pillars called Hecatea were erected at crossroads where offerings were
made for her.

In Britain it was believed that the Queen of Elphame was a witch who was
regarded as an incarnation of Hecate, she is said to have seduced the
thirteenth century poet Thomas the Rhymer and then gave him supernatural
insight.

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The Moon card focuses on our inner fears and uncertainties, feelings of
dread, confusing circumstances, or whatever area of our life is most important
at the moment. When this card appears our feelings are usually confused and
clouded because it represents our imagination and our dreams. Our psyches
hold hidden parts of our nature that may need to be looked into, once our dark
side has been brought to light we will be able to understand ourselves better
and as a result become stronger and more confident. Sometimes we are
prone to deception or delusion, which results to muddled thinking, excessive
worry and a timid character. Therefore, we need to go beyond the physical
and material and try to see things as they really are instead of groping in the
dark. We must rely on our dreams and intuition for insight into our situation
because using our logic or trying to analyse the situation will not solve our
problems at this time. This card is advising us to question everything and to
try to understand that things are not always what they seem. We may be
distracted by shadows or lose our way in the moonlight, but we can also be
inspired by our dreams when the moon comes out. We must learn to be able
to tell the difference.

The Moon card is number eighteen and reduces to the number nine (1+ 8 =
9), which means that although there have been difficulties help is around the
corner, and our situations and events are nearing completion or have just
been completed and another level of achievement is in waiting. This number
relates to the symbolism of the triple power of three, the three-month periods
of pregnancy (the three trimesters), or the three triads of the nine orders of
angels.

The astrological influence of the Moon is the zodiacal sign of Pisces, which is
the sign of dreams, imagination, visions, intuition, creativity and unconditional
love. Pisces focuses on our adjustment to life as a whole, and our efforts to
perfect our relationship with the world at large. Piscean sensitivity borders on
the inhibited, they can be inspired and highly intuitive, but can also become

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clouded by mood swings from elation to depression. Kindness and strong
spiritual faith are common traits with this sign.

Interpretation
When the Moon appears in a spread you are entering a period where you are
more receptive to your intuition and you should listen to your inner voice at
this time. This card represents deception, errors, danger, hidden enemies and
darkness, meaning that you should be alert to the changes that are happening
in your life at the moment. Nothing is what it seems and you will feel like you
are groping in the dark. You may be more prone to self-deception, illusion,
and fantasy, but don’t be deceived by appearances.

There may be an underlying element of deceit that makes it difficult and

confusing for you to deal with other people, so at the moment be wary of the
people you meet and the circumstances that you find yourself in. Maybe you
are the victim of someone else’s deception, which could be related to your
family, relationships, a friend, a lover or even your attachment to the past, and
you have become disillusioned and confused and finding it hard to sort out
your feelings. You may be misleading yourself, and your fears have nothing to
do with your situation, so take notice of the hidden aspects in your dreams
and intuitive insights.

Everything you do is influenced by the circumstances around you therefore

your difficulties in life may have been caused by your own mistakes and
weaknesses. Be careful who you put your trust in because they may be lying,
and learn to trust your intuition and hunches to help you to detect other
people’s intentions. Look more deeply into the situation and ask more
questions. Perhaps you feel like you have been betrayed and finding it hard to
separate fact from fiction, making you lose direction and feeling depressed
and inconsolable.

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You will need to be careful of your health if this is the case, because in
extreme cases this card speaks of self-injury or harm, even suicide.
Therefore, you must confront your demons, detach yourself from the past,
head into the unknown and allow your emotions to guide you. However, the
Moon card does carry some good news, it is a good sign for psychic and
spiritual development, and imaginative projects, and as a result this can be a
very creative time. This is a good card for anyone who has creative talents
such as writing, art, drama, acting, psychology, psychotherapy, and so on. It
is also a good sign for fertility matters, babies, children and possible travel
over water.

In the end, trust your own gut feelings and the power of your intuition because
they will be more reliable than logical analysis at this time. Be wary and open
to any threats and dangers, and try to live in the real world if you are going to
make things happen. After this period of devastation and despair you will
become a stronger person, achieve success and things will end happily.

Negative
There may be difficulties arising from an inability to adjust to life as a whole.
There is some doubt in your ability to cope. You, or someone in your life, find
it hard to distinguish between fantasy and reality. Maybe you are dealing with
insincere people, try to keep to yourself because they might be trying to work
against you. If you are a woman, you may have menstrual or gynaecological
problems. A difficult situation may be affecting your health. Maybe you are
having bad dreams or bouts of moodiness. You may have to deal with
alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, or people in prison or hospital.

People
Those who are very receptive and endowed with undeniable mental qualities
and powers. Those faced with a difficult or confused situation. Those in touch
with their intuition and unconscious mind. Mothers. Women. Those who are
devious and deceptive. Those who are emotionally or mentally troubled.

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Tricksters or conmen. Those who gain benefit through a sound sense of
perspective, or through an improved knowledge of the techniques involved in
their everyday work.

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 19 The Sun

Astrological Influence: Sun

Key words and phrases: Success; fulfilment; vitality;

pleasure; ambition; confidence; optimism;
achievement; affirmation; empowerment; a time to
take charge; a prosperous development; illumination;
truth; logic; clear thinking; warmth; friendship; the
power of positive thinking; pure rational thought; joy;
satisfaction; creative self-expression; hope;
enrichment; self-control; blessings; spiritual victory;
acclaim; display; attainment; opportunity; energy; spontaneity; creative
inspiration; public recognition; celebration; good health virility; happiness;
prosperity; rationality; academic honours; scientific achievement; invention;
marriage; children; emotional well-being; the dawning of a new day.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck the Sun card is portrayed as a naked child with a feather in
his/her hair carrying a red banner, while riding a white horse outside a walled
garden of sunflowers as the sun shines overhead.

The sun is a source of heat and light and is crucial to life on earth and one of
the most important symbols in all of our world cultures. It is associated with
power and active and creative energy, it is a male principle and symbolises
vitality, passion, courage, intuitive knowledge, universal intellect, new
understanding and eternally renewed youth. The sun illuminates our
conscious mind and balances the subconscious mind that was bestowed
upon us by the darkness of the moon. It signifies our capacity to see things
clearly so we are able to move forward with confidence.

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A rising sun is a symbol of hope and new beginnings, and a sun with rays
symbolises illumination. It is often associated with the principle of authority or
the father figure, and is linked with individuality, will, ego and personality. At
its highest level the sun is striving for psychic integration or enlightenment,
and at its lower level it is indulging in egomania, excessive pride and
authoritarianism. The rising sun is also linked with creative energy, health
and vitality, and with influencing both physical and psychological
development.

The naked child represents simplicity and innocence, and the path to
liberation and spiritual illumination. It illustrates freedom, innocence,
spontaneity and open-heartedness, and symbolises the external child, much
like Peter Pan, the childlike imagination that lives in all of us. In Christian
doctrine, Jesus said, unless adults become more like children they will not
enter the kingdom of Heaven. The child stands for new beginnings and the
ability to access our own inner child, and the nudity means we have the
freedom to let down our guard and allow our true nature to come forward, it is
about communication without fear.

The white horse is a symbol of light, life, spiritual illumination and purity, it is
an ancient symbol linked to the sun and sky gods, white horses drew the sun
chariot in classical myths. They represent the state of our spiritual awareness,
and the vitality and mobility we have or need, so that we can move in a new
direction to complete any actions or tasks to reach our goals and fulfil our
desires.

The banner signifies positive action and is an emblem of rulership and

identity, and a flapping banner suggests new beginnings. As it is a red
banner it also signifies life and warmth and is linked with love and fertility.

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The Anglo-Saxons believed the colour red protected them from evil. It stands
for some kind of ideal and the need to consolidate our thoughts and actions,
and perhaps to agree to a particular course of action.

The wall represents making a change from our known world into the unknown
world beyond, they are barriers that cut us off from the rest of the world or
give us a sense of security and permanence. Walls are also a symbol of a
repression of nature through human strength and rigidity, so everything the
sun energy has to offer us will never be ours if we are closed to it. The wall
suggests a breakthrough, no matter how bad things have been there will
always be an opportunity to break down the walls of whatever is imprisoning
us.

Flowers represent the opportunity to link to the feelings of pleasure and

beauty, it means that we are aware of something new, maybe a feeling or an
ability of something that is beginning to develop into being, and a freshness
about what we are doing.

Sunflowers always face the sun and are linked with immortality and longevity
therefore suggests that we should reach further and extend to greater lengths
to meet or face the truth with clarity and spiritual illumination.

The feather in the child’s hair suggests that we take a more gentle approach
to our situation.

According to Greek mythology, Apollo was one of the Olympians and the god
of light and the sun, and also the god of music and poetry. His music helped
him when he and Poseidon built the walls of Troy, as he was able to charm
the stones into position by merely playing his lyre. At the siege of Troy he
helped the Trojans against the Greeks and, it is said, guided the arrow that
killed Achilles. Apollo was credited with the invention of the lute and cithera

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and was given the lyre by Hermes. He symbolises the power of the intellect
and the masculine function of being able to rationalise our experience.

On the whole the Sun card represents a source of energy and strength, and
gives us a feeling of purpose in our lives after a long period of confusion and
grief. Its focus is on benefits, achievements, accomplishment, exoneration,
marriage, unions and mergers. It is a card of unclouded perception,
understanding and clarity of mind and activity. This card suggests that it is
time for us to grab the opportunities that we have been dreaming about,
develop our unique potential and feel confident of what the future holds.

The number of the Sun card is nineteen and reduces to ten (1+ 9 = 10), which
is a number of change, perfection, creation, perfect balance and divine power.
In biblical belief it is the number of God’s commandments, and to the Native
Americans is the number of the intellect. This number can also be reduced to
the number one (1+ 0 = 1), the number for new beginnings and change, and
refers to our own importance as an individual. This number is a male principle,
a symbol of creation and the spark of life for the human species. Jung referred
to it as a unifying symbol.

The astrological influence of the Sun card is obviously the Sun, our heavenly
body, which provides light and life. The Sun reveals the instinctive and
subconscious part of our character. It brings a kind of renewal into our lives,
and combines and balances all of our qualities and all of the components of
our personality, therefore, giving us the chance of self-fulfilment. The Sun
stimulates our creative ability, our will to achieve, our leadership qualities, and
our sense of independence and enterprise.

Interpretation
When the Sun card appears in a spread it announces a period of creativity,
prosperity and happiness in your relationships. If you have been struggling,
don’t worry because all areas of your life will soon be improving, and

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happiness, vitality and success will enter your life. Things will get easier now
and problems will be successfully resolved. You will experience a growing
sense that much more is possible because you can think better and see
solutions. It is time to move forward to develop your potential, or achieve your
dreams. There will be every opportunity to accomplish your ambition and
make long-term plans, your efforts will come to fruition and you have
everything to play for. This could come through a new career, promotion at
work, or your business grows from strength to strength, bringing with it
financial improvement and greater status or recognition.

Enjoy the rewards of your effort but be careful not to overwork and lose sight
of loved ones, or what you are working for. It could also be a marriage or
union of some kind that develops into a particularly happy relationship and
contentment in love. You have the energy and enthusiasm to fulfil your goals
and you feel optimistic about the future, so it is time to explore your creativity
and positive ideas. This card is also good for sporting and leisure activities.
The Sun is a good card regarding children and can suggest the birth of a child
you have longed for, a natural talent that your child has or develops, tests and
examinations that your child has will turn out favourably, and also the
recovery of an illness or difficulty.

Socially you are invited to all kinds of events, you begin to feel more confident
and energetic, life is good, live it to the full and enjoy yourself. Hot countries
are signified and are fortunate for meeting special and interesting people, this
could be through taking a holiday, having a day at the beach or going on a
business trip. In the end be yourself, everything will work out much better than
you thought, success is certain and you will have nothing to worry about.
However unlikely it seems things are going to work out, so enjoy every
moment of happiness.

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Negative
There may be loss of prestige due to misfortune, false pride, or because of
failing fortunes within the family or with superiors. There may be some sort of
delay, difficulty or disappointment that needs to be sorted out because doubts
surrounding your future plans are setting in. Perhaps there are cracks opening
up in your relationship and you feel as if you are being taken for granted, or
not getting enough attention. There may be similar difficulties in a business
partnership. Both partners may be at loggerheads because one feels they are
doing more of the work. There may be worries concerning children, such as
hyperactive babies or problems at school. Maybe your expectations are too
unrealistic. There will still be success but it will be delayed.

People
Those who experience pure joy, happiness and fulfilment. Those who have a
zest for life. Cheerful people. Children and babies. Leaders. Those who
advance through merit, ambition, determination, or help from superiors. Those
who are gaining spiritual illumination.

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 20 Judgement

Astrological Influence: Pluto

Key words and phrases: Rebirth; a developmental

milestone; a momentous choice; the ending of a phase
of life and the assessment of its worth; judging or
being judged; growing up; a change of position; the
end of an era; the end of a situation; a rite of passage;
a career change; a promotion; resurrection; the need
to evaluate or be evaluated; rejuvenation; the Phoenix
rising from the ashes; a ponderous decision; a call to
action; renewal; an identity crisis; a time for evaluation; a new direction;
readjustment; transition; awakening; metamorphosis; breaking with
convention; major changes; a mandatory choice that will change life for the
better; cleansing; purification; regeneration; a new life; new opportunities; self-
appraisal; self-improvement; final reckoning; transformation; healing; breaking
free of old habits; revitalisation; a favourable legal decision; balancing
accounts; a clean slate; a final examination; commencement; graduation.

Symbolic Meaning
Judgement is a familiar Christian image and in the Waite deck is depicted as
a great angel encircled by clouds raising the souls of the dead from their
tombs through the call of his trumpet. The angel’s trumpet has a banner
attached to it emblazoned with a red coloured cross.

An angel is an intermediary between God and humans acting as a guide to

the soul by helping it to grow and evolve. It is believed by many to be the
Archangel Michael depicted on this card. He is an agent of the creative will
of God and brings to us loving guidance, protection and divine messages. He
is a symbol of divine will and represents pure being and freedom from sin.

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The trumpet is a symbol of a portent, a sign of something to come, which
could be momentous news or action, and is suggesting that we need to
maximise our potential.

The cross was used as a Christian symbol to represent the union of Heaven
and Earth, and now because of its various spiritual and esoteric associations
it has become connected with healing and miraculous powers, therefore can
also mean changing spirit into substance.

All the figures rising from their tombs or coffins are in wonder, adoration
and ecstasy. This symbolises redemption, resurrection and salvation.
Following destruction comes rebirth, new creation or resurrection, therefore
presenting the accomplishment of transformation.

On the whole this card represents spiritual awakening and renewal, and
indicates that we come to terms with the past in order to move on. The
Judgement card also symbolises the rewards and penalties of our actions, so
we can either acquire the benefits of our past efforts or learn some hard
lessons. We are not in total control of our destiny and have to be accountable
for our actions. Our lives are shaped by the decisions we make, so we have to
be aware in case we do harm to ourselves or others.

In Greek mythology, Paris a prince of Troy was attending the wedding of

Peleus and Thetis. There were many gods present at the wedding but Eris
was not invited. Eris threw a golden apple with the inscription “To the fairest”
into the wedding congregation, then a dispute erupted as to which goddess
should claim the prize and title. They asked Paris to decide which of the three
goddesses between Aphrodite, Athena and Hera was the most beautiful.
Paris gave the prize to Aphrodite because she promised him the most
beautiful girl in the world, Helen of Troy. Unfortunately this minor decision set
the scene for the Trojan War. This story is called “The Judgement of Paris.”

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This card suggests death and rebirth and is a representation of eternal life.

Pluto, (Hades in Greek mythology), Lord of the Underworld, spotted the

beautiful maiden Persephone picking poppies and kidnapped her to be his
queen in the realm of the dead. Her mother Demeter, the Earth goddess, was
so overcome by grief that she neglected the land while she searched for her
daughter. Crops withered and died and the earth became barren, and a
perpetual winter developed. Zeus intervened and sent Hermes to bring
Persephone back, but unfortunately she had eaten the food of the dead, in the
form of six pomegranate seeds, making her bound to Pluto (Hades). She was
able to go to her mother for only part of the year, and her arrival is marked by
the rebirth of spring, but at the end of summer she had to return, whereas the
earth becomes barren again.

The number of the Judgement card is twenty and can be reduced to the
number two (2+ 0 = 2), but the zero also has significance to this card. Zero
suggests that we are on the cusp of something, it represents the blank space
of infinity, the void from which life arises and to which it returns. Zero is a
symbol of complete potentiality. Two is the number that represents pairs or
duality, such as man and woman, light and dark, spirit and matter, and so on.
This number is passive, intuitive, receptive and emotional, and symbolises the
drive, harmony and balance that are needed in our lives.

The astrological influence for Judgement is the planet Pluto, which is in the
eighth house. It is the home of birth and death or beginnings and endings, and
refers to gained possessions, all financial matters, sexual nature and deep
relationships. It tells us about our ability to achieve or create something new.
Therefore, influences us to build, produce or make, or, conversely, destroy,
consume or undo. Pluto allows us to evaluate and to understand how we are
inclined to exploit the potential for creativity, in ourselves and in our life. It
reflects the need to re-evaluate ourselves, and accomplishments in an open
and honest way. In other words we need to carefully look at our faults. We are

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being given another chance and a new lease of life. In the end we are all
responsible for our lives, so the more aware we are of our choices, the more
responsible we will be for our own individual fate.

Interpretation
When the Judgement card appears in a spread you are going through a
period of renewal in your life, good things are about to happen and you will be
able to see things more clearly. Your behaviour is changing so it may mean
leaving old habits and thoughts behind. It is a positive new beginning and you
will be able to wipe the slate clean. New life is opening up for you and your
outlook on life is much wider than it was before. Whatever has been holding
you back is ending and you can now go forward with clarity and vision, and a
more positive attitude. However, it is important that you deal with previous
matters that you have put to one side, and accept any mistakes or failures
that have occurred in the past, so that you can move forward to new
successes.

You are being given the opportunity to take a good honest look at your life,
but don’t judge yourself too severely. It is time to celebrate the rewards of
your past efforts, perhaps a promotion or some kind of recognition within your
line of work, or maybe greater success with your own business. If you are
thinking about a career change this is a great time to do it. The Judgement
card is also good for new relationships and new homes, so maybe a new
partnership or new relationship is about to be formed. If you have been ill or
depressed you will enjoy better health and feel reinvigorated. It is also a card
symbolising spiritual development, creativity and renewal, therefore you may
find that your creativity and spirituality is surfacing, or you find a deep sense
of spiritual fulfilment. If there are any legal matters that need sorting out
decisions will go in your favour.

This is a chance to acknowledge your untapped potential and resources that

have remained inactive and to evaluate how true to yourself you have been.

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Whatever lies ahead you have reached the end of a cycle and situations are
getting better and developing. Before you start something new think about
what happened in the past, and accept that you may have made some
mistakes too, then carry on when you are satisfied that you did your best.
Past failure or suffering will begin to disappear and you will experience a
much improved mind or spiritual nature that brings with it new ideas, new
areas of discovery and new beginnings.

Negative
There may be a danger of being compelled to undertake certain work in order
to comply with the needs of a group, such as a gang or mob, which may lead
to organised antagonism and resulting in ruthless behaviour. You may be
frustrated with confusing problems and finding it hard to obtain the answers
you need to solve them. Legal matters may go against you. Perhaps you have
to face the consequences of your actions and a severe judgement is about to
be made. You want to break away from the past and have a fresh start but
don’t know whether to spend time and money in a new relationship or work
project. Decisions that need to be made are being put off and stopping you
from moving on. You need to stop hesitating and make your mind up
otherwise you could lose out on opportunities.

People
Those who are sincere and show themselves as they are. Those going
through a period of renewal. Those who change their behaviour and are
showing their true personality. The Court. Judges. Those who are learning the
lessons of their past mistakes. Those who are entering new phases of
experience.

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 21 The World

Astrological Influence: Saturn

Key words and phrases: Reaching a natural

conclusion; the end; fulfilment; attainment;
culmination; harmony; well-being; the end of a phase
and starting something new; unity; elation; a journey’s
end; ecstasy; reaching your goal; receiving a prize;
completeness; wholeness; oneness; a job well done;
admiration; beauty; completion of a cycle; success;
triumph; freedom; liberation; peace; the joy of life; an
ideal state of being; expanded horizons; the end of the rainbow; a pleasant
surprise; enlightenment; physical and emotional health; spiritual well-being;
the best possible outcome; travel; a journey; change of job or residence;
readiness to start again; commencement; graduation.

Symbolic Meaning
The World card depicts a naked figure clad in a long flowing scarf, and
holding two wands while dancing inside an oval wreath, as an angel, a lion, a
bull and an eagle watch attentively.

The figure may be androgynous (hermaphrodite), but we are not too sure
because the flowing scarf is covering the figure’s genitals. A hermaphrodite is
said to be the perfect being, the perfect blending of the male and female
qualities, and symbolises the achievement of intuitive insight.

The long flowing scarf may represent the Olympian stole that was given to a
winning person who has been newly initiated as a member of the Olympians.
It is a symbol of triumphant achievement.

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Many sacred dances follow spiral or circle patterns. Spiral patterns represent
death and rebirth or endings and beginnings, and is a way of acknowledging
and celebrating life’s pattern of change and evolution, and circle dances
symbolise life’s pattern of change and flow. The Zuni Indians chant and dance
spiral dances to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

In Hindu mythology Nataraja is a name for Shiva as the Lord of the Dance,
and in this form he is depicted with his left leg raised and dancing inside a
ring of flames. Shiva is a creator god, a moon god, god of destruction, fertility,
medicine and strengthener of men. He developed a third eye in his forehead
that could emit his radiance with so much power that it could destroy demons.
His first wife Sati killed herself as a sacrifice because Shiva was not invited to
the feast of the gods, so he became Nataraja, Lord of the Dance, and
performed a funeral dance in her honour. He then spent many days in
meditation and brought Sati back to life in the form of Uma.

The wreath is an ancient symbol of wholeness, knowledge and wisdom. In

the Greco-Roman world the laurel wreath was a symbol of status, victory,
truce, peace, purification and divination. The wreath depicted on the World
card is oval shaped and has a connection with the Cosmic Egg, which is the
universal symbol for creation, probably the thing that life came from. It
symbolises birth, resurrection, luck, health and wealth. It is also associated
with the season of spring and is a symbol of potential and opportunities to
come, and suggests an ending but also continuation in a different way.

The figure is holding a wand in each hand, which symbolises the power within
is “magical.” According to ancient belief a vertical wand represents the ability
to provide the link between the higher and lower worlds and welcome divine
spirit. It is associated with the male principle and describes the movement
from the lowest point in our fortune (nadir), to the highest point in our fortune
(zenith), from deep despair to great prosperity, from above to below, from

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Heaven to Earth and vice versa. The wand symbolises destiny and fate, and
represents the authority of the Self and is related to the number one.

There are another four figures illustrated on this card, an angel, an eagle, a
bull and a lion and they represent the balance between the four elements, air,
water, earth and fire, but there are also individual symbolic meanings for
these figures.

Angels are heavenly messengers and guardians of the light that shines down
from the heavens that touches the lives of humans. Archangels spread the
creative will of God, bring loving guidance, protection and divine messages to
humankind. They help us to steer a positive and pure path in life.

Eagles, according to the Native Americans, are thought to have a very similar
spirit to humans. They embody great vision and observation, and have
tremendous power to overcome all enemies and to strike with perfect intent.
The eagle signifies vigilance, speed, power, keenness, perception,
awareness and objectivity. In the Christian faith the eagle symbolises
omnipotence (absolute power) and omniscience (all knowing), and signifies
authority, control and superiority.

Bulls represent creative power, masculinity and assertiveness, and in ancient

folklore slaying a bull marked the initiation into the world of the mature adult
who succeeded in mastering his instincts. The bull is an enormously symbolic
animal representing the sun, the moon, earth, sky, heat, rain, male ardour,
virility, feminine procreation, matriarch and patriarch, death and regeneration.
In cave art the bull was a symbol of vital energy.

Lions were thought of as solar animals endowed with divine qualities. They
were a symbol and the embodiment of earthly power and superiority,
vigilance, bravery, fortitude and victory. In the ancient world, lions were
thought to be guardians of the underworld and a symbol of divine protection.

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Buddah and Christ associated the lion as a symbol of spiritual zeal and
enlightenment. Today the lion is a symbol of strength, power, leadership,
dignity and courage.

On the whole, the World card symbolises the successful completion of an

important cycle in the Fool’s journey. All of his lessons and experiences have
been integrated and absorbed, and completion has been achieved. He is now
at the top of his journey and is free to start a positive new phase of growth.
When we have reached this position we can take life a little bit easier because
our experience will intuitively guide us to what we know is right. We have
learned to accept the ups and downs, and even if it still frustrates us we will
have a better idea of how to deal with it. We understand what makes us tick,
and we are in harmony with our true nature and just being ourselves. This
card suggests that we are free, more self-aware and have more spiritual
understanding. However, there are many cycles in our lives and within each
cycle are many phases. Therefore, before we can begin a new cycle we will
need to end the old one first, and we will need to make sure that we have tied
up all the loose ends of the phases within that cycle.

The number of the World card is twenty-one, which reduces to the number
three (2+ 1 = 3). This number expresses all aspects of creation, including
birth, life and death; past, present and future; mind, body and soul. In China it
is a perfect number expressing wholeness and fulfilment through the joining of
Heaven, Earth and humanity. In Pythagorean theory the number three
represents perfect harmony, union of unity (one) and diversity (two). In Islam it
symbolises the soul.

The astrological Influence of the World card is the planet Saturn. It is an

ambitious planet with high hopes and the ability to take responsibility. Saturn
influences us to progress through hard work and overcome any difficulties. It
is a planet of structure, boundaries, self-discipline and the limitations of
matter. It suggests that we must come to terms with the limitations of the

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physical world if spiritual progress is to be made. Without Saturn nothing will
ever be achieved or brought into material reality. Some of the attributes of
Saturn are the qualities of patience, perseverance, tenacity, self-control,
wisdom, lucidity, endurance, resignation and even fatalism. However, these
days we are always in a hurry and eager to create our own reality without
taking the time to understand and reflect on what is going on around us. We
must be receptive and attentive to the world as it is, and not how we would
like it to be. Saturn’s influence makes us stable, careful, far-sighted,
determined, patient and tenacious. This is the end of the cycle and we have
learned all of our lessons and have achieved integration, balance, and
spiritual awareness.

Interpretation
When the World card appears in a spread it means that you have reached the
end of a cycle in your life or something has been successfully completed. This
is a card of triumph, happiness and success and it is a time for celebration.
Your dream has come true and you are now free to move forward with
confidence.

It may be that it is the beginning of a new phase in your partnership, perhaps

you and your partner were going through a difficult time and now it is over, or
maybe you are starting a family. It could be that your children are leaving
home and you are going to enjoy the personal freedom this will bring.
Whatever the situation with your relationships you are feeling happy and
secure.

There may also be fortunate changes in your business and finances, and you
will receive what is rightfully yours. Your efforts are appreciated and those in
power trust you and will probably help you to improve your status, maybe
through a promotion or some kind of recognition. Perhaps you will have the
opportunity to advance your profession by expanding your business interests.

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Whatever the situation with your career you will be delighted with the
outcome.

Through life’s misfortunes you have gained a growing sense of self-

knowledge and spiritual understanding and should be complemented on what
you have achieved physically and spiritually. This card also suggests travel
and relocation, so if you are moving to a new home it will be a change for the
better. Maybe you are literally exploring new horizons, you may move
overseas for a period of time or even emigrate, but whatever the situation
there is a possibility of advantageous travel abroad and a chance to see more
of the world.

Anything is possible, and you could even receive money from more than one
source, perhaps a tax refund or interest on an account. However, you will
soon be starting a new cycle that will bring more challenges and opportunities
with it, but make sure that you go in the direction that you want to go in and
who you want to go with, and not in the direction just to please others.
There are many opportunities open to you, everything is achievable, all is well
and you will be successful.

Negative
You may find you have lost respect through a lack of self-discipline or
responsibility. There may be setbacks as a result of your failure to seize
opportunities, or through neglecting to make adequate preparations. If you
don’t take advantage of the opportunities that are available to you then you
could live to regret it in the future. Perhaps restrictive influences are stopping
you from reaching your goals, maybe you are unemployed and have got
yourself in a rut or certain circumstances are being delayed by others, such as
people breaking appointments, and so on. It could be that you are upset by a
loved one’s irrational behaviour and you don’t know how to deal with it.
Perhaps you are blocking a potential partner because you are tied to the past

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in some way. Eventually you will overcome you obstacles or limitations and
come out on top.

People
Those who are happy, fulfilled, and have everything they could wish for.
Those who are generous and gentle. Those who have great potential, inner
resources or powers. Those who have reached their goals. Those who travel
overseas either to work or explore the world. Those who advance because of
their integrity, dependability, and practical common sense.

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 The Minor Arcana Interpretations

Wands

Element: Fire.

Astrological signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.

Season: Spring, (March – April – May)

Key words and phrases: Career. Business opportunities. Travel. Creativity.

New projects. Enterprise. Growth. Ambition. Development. Enthusiasm.
Negotiation. New ventures.

The suit of Wands are similar to the Clubs in an ordinary deck of cards.
Wands relate to the fire element and are associated with optimism, growth,
creativity, energy, movement, work and enterprise. They also represent travel
and can indicate pleasure and business trips, or inner journeys of the mind.
Wands signify career matters, property matters, deals, negotiations, social
events and gatherings. It is a masculine suit and associated with the zodiacal
signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

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 Ace of Wands

Key words and phrases: New things starting.

Beginning of an enterprise or family. New growth.
Creation. Start of a journey. Initiation. Power.
Inspiration.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck the Ace of Wands is depicted as a
hand emerging from a grey cloud holding on to a
wand that is sprouting new leaves, and a castle
stands on a hill in the background.

In Christian iconography, God is sometimes represented as a hand emerging

from a cloud. The hand indicates an opportunity, an offer, a proposal or
partnership. It also signifies that something may be “close at hand.”

The cloud is a symbol of fecundity and revelation, and can also signify
potential. As a rainmaker it is connected with fertility and nature’s abundance.

The grey colour of the cloud suggests that we need to take a current
situation seriously. Grey also means dedication and service.

The new leaves indicate new beginnings, new ideas, new growth and new
developments.

The castle symbolises power, authority, protection and security.

The hill signifies success is assured and we have reached a goal. We are “on
top of the hill.”

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On the whole, the Ace of Wands relates to career opportunities and new
directions in our working life. This could come in the shape of a brilliant idea, a
challenging new project or job. It is our creative force coupled with enthusiasm
and the innovative ideas that have the potential to succeed. It suggests that
with optimism and self-confidence success is possible, however we must put
in the necessary energy to make it happen. We will have the opportunity to
use our imagination and skills. Fresh ideas, new challenges and new
experiences will empower us to reach our goals.

This card is related with the number one in numerology and the fire element in
astrology therefore, the sections on Tarot and Numerology and Tarot and
Astrology will supply more information associated with the Ace of Wands.

Interpretation
When the Ace of Wands appears in a spread it indicates that there are career
opportunities coming up and it might be a good time to send out your
curriculum vitae and references. The action you take now will be the start of
something new, and could lead to a new career, new relationships, or a major
change in your lifestyle. You have all the energy you need to fulfil your
ambitions, so it is okay to go ahead and show strength and determination in
your actions.

Something may happen to improve your career, which could turn out to be the
beginning of a remarkable creative phase. You will be filled with excitement
and inspiration as you start to lay the foundations for a stable and long-lasting
venture. It may mean hard work to bring all of your efforts to success, but
whatever kind of work you do, or are about to engage in, is about to be
revitalised. This may come through a clever idea that urges you to create a
new goal, start on a new project, or in the form of a new job. Enjoy the
journey.

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Negative
When the Ace of Wands is in a negative position it may feel like all the effort
you have put in has all been in vain, and you feel impatient and frustrated.
Perhaps you have been too demanding, or your selfish behaviour has led to
the difficult position you now find yourself in. Maybe you were too
overconfident with your plans and they have failed to live up to your hopes
and dreams.

People
Those who know what they want and take their time to do it. Those who are
sure of the facts before they take action. Those who are persevering,
tenacious, courageous and hardworking. Those who keep their feet on the
ground. Those who stay within their field of knowledge and keep contact with
physical and material reality.

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 Two of Wands

Key words and phrases: A waiting period. A time of

transition. Creative potential. Improvements through
hard work. Ambition. Planning. Negotiation.
Partnerships. Imminent success. Decision. Going in
the right direction. Working with a partner. Obstacles.

Symbolic Meaning
A man looks from the battlements of a tower over the
seashore below. He holds a globe of the world in his
right hand and a staff in his left hand, which rests on
the battlements. Another staff is fixed to the tower, and a tapestry of the rose,
the cross and the lily is attached to the battlements on his left.

Viewing the landscape from a tower signifies increased self-confidence, or

may warn us of what is going on around us.

A tranquil sea signifies that our emotional life is becoming calmer and
smoother.

The globe of the world is a symbol for the natural support and nurturing we
all need, and can also signify the networks we have established, and probably
taken for granted. It is asking, do we feel that our planet nourishes us and do
we feel that we are in control of it? Is it our mother or our servant?

The held staff signifies the support we may need to help us through life. It can
also mean a journey that we need to begin, possibly of the mind. The fixed
staff suggests that we are able to create stability and support, and have the
ability to stand firm when we are faced with difficulty.

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In Christianity the red rose symbolises the blood of martyrs and life after
death. The Rosicrucean Brotherhood, a sect founded in Europe in the 15th
century, combined the symbol of the rose with the cross to form the emblem
of their society.

We usually relate the rose with love and perhaps a wedding. It is a symbol of
the heart, perfection, and sacred, romantic and sensual love. The rose has a
connection with the centre of the Wheel of Life, the never-ending cycle of life
and death. The centre or hub is the point of liberation, pointing to the spiritual
journey as a movement from the edge to the centre, from activity to stillness,
much like the purpose of meditation.

The cross was used as a Christian symbol to represent the union of Heaven
and earth, however because of its various spiritual and esoteric associations it
has become connected with healing and miraculous powers. It stands for the
transforming of spirit into substance. The cross is closely linked to the
symbolism of four, a number signifying wholeness, perfection, harmony,
order, stability and solidity.

In alchemy, lilies are a symbol of purity, and also linked with courage and
perseverance. They are identified with Christian devotion, purity and
innocence, but also repentance. In older traditions lilies are associated with
fertility and erotic love, and are a symbol of fecundity in ancient Greece and
Egypt.

On the whole, the Two of Wands is a symbol of achievement in business and

planning, and suggests that we have become established and independent.
We are now in a position to make decisions, and are aware of the possibilities
before we begin to push forward. We have done our homework and the fears
of the past no longer affect us. It is important to be clear of our desires and
motivations before choosing the path we wish to follow, and our efforts will be
rewarded as long as we can overcome the obstacles that are ahead of us.

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This card is related to the number two in numerology therefore, if any more
information is required please refer to the section on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Two of Wands appears new opportunities are being offered
possibly because of your achievement in business, and you are ready to
make a decision as to what to do next. Perhaps you have achieved success
by running your own business and have become well respected in your field
of enterprise. Maybe you are thinking of bringing in a new business partner or
deciding whether to turn it into a joint venture. You will need to act on your
intuition to put things into perspective. Give yourself time to think things over,
or watch and wait to see if your plans produce any results. It is time to take
charge, demonstrate your perseverance and do not let anything stand in your
way. Perhaps you are involved with buying and selling property, or moving
house or business premises. Whatever the situation, contracts will have to be
signed, however you have considerable ability and foresight to take the
initiative, therefore any deals will work out in your favour.

Negative
When the Two of Wands is in a negative position, business, creative or
financial partnerships are not working out. There may be delays in property
transactions. Things are not working out as you had planned. An established
partnership may not be working because of a clash of personalities or
disagreement of some kind. You decide to take on a new challenge.

People
Those who enter into a business or personal partnership. Those involved with
negotiations or deals. Those who feel that they must join forces to build,
produce, create and achieve together something strong and permanent.

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 Three of Wands

Key words and phrases: New job or project. News

about work. Work-related travel. Teamwork.
Negotiations. New ideas. Our ship is coming in.
Nurturing the early stages of a project. Trade and
negotiation. Practical knowledge. Visualising
possibilities.

Symbolic Meaning
A figure is standing on the edge of a cliff looking out to
sea at three sailing ships. There are three staves
planted in the ground and the figure holds on to one of them for support.

The cliff symbolises achievement, and going beyond our present or former
self towards a new and productive position in life. It may also signify the need
to decide how to deal with a situation, which may involve a risk of some kind.

The sea signifies our natural and creative potential, and the existence of our
hidden potential that lies in the depths of our psyche that can be developed to
create our true and total self.

Ships symbolise a transition, moving from one phase to another, making a

new start, or breaking away from the past. They symbolise the ups and downs
through life from the death of something to transformation. Ships are a
symbol of salvation and regeneration, and can mean a voyage of discovery or
our “ship is coming in.” In ancient Egypt, sails symbolised wind and breath,
representing the fickle “winds of fate” that can blow us off course.

The stave that the figure is holding on to signifies that we may need help and
support through our journey in life and it is there if we need it.

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On the whole, the Three of Wands represents the initial completion of a
project, but there is still much work to do. Past efforts are starting to pay off
and we have reached an important stage in our lives, but there are new
possibilities and opportunities that need to be developed. Strength,
determination and focus is now needed, and if we think that we have gone as
far as we can by ourselves then someone will be willing to give their
assistance. It is time to promote ourselves and show our talents.

This card relates to the number three in numerology therefore, any other
information associated with the Three of Wands can be found in the section
on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Three of Wands is in a spread new opportunities are coming your
way and a new job is possible. You are filled with enthusiasm and inspiration
as your business becomes active. You are ready to begin the next phase of
something you have already been involved with, and you are able to build it
up now or develop your skills and ideas further. A successful outcome is
indicated but a lot of hard work and a solid basis will be required for it to
prosper. The Three of Wands signifies partnerships and cooperation in
business, which suggests that someone may enter your life who can offer
advice and assistance, or maybe a job or other opportunity. It is a good time
to promote yourself and your talents, so make good use of your skills and
build your enterprise on firm foundations. This card also signifies travel, and a
short journey or an enquiry that you make now has every chance of being
successful. Your material and social situation is under way.

Negative
When the Three of Wands is in a negative position, opportunities may be lost
due to obstinacy and arrogance. You may be wasting your talents, skills and
efforts. Be careful of any help that is offered to you, as it may involve betrayal
and disappointment. Things may not be developing the way you had hoped

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for. A lack of confidence is making you careless, which is damaging your
reputation.

People
Those who take the initiative to progress in their professional life and social
situation. Those who are exploring new horizons. Those who have the
foresight to plan ahead and anticipate any obstacles they may need to
overcome. Those who are able to assume a responsible position and
demonstrate leadership.

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 Four of Wands

Key words and phrases: A happy and secure home.

Putting down roots. Buying a house. Time for a
well-deserved rest. Success. Time to celebrate your
achievements with work. Holidays. Relaxation.
Marriage or a committed relationship. Completion.
Celebration. Harmony.

Symbolic Meaning
In the foreground four staves are planted in the
ground. A garland is suspended from the staves, and
two female figures are seen waving bunches of flowers above their heads.
There is also a bridge over the moat to the old manor house.

The garland can represent respect and recognition, or some kind of

acknowledgement for work done or a task that has been completed, maybe
an approval from our peers. As a decoration a garland may represent a time
for celebration and fun.

Fresh flowers signify harmony, love and friendship, or the blossoming of our
inner self. Flowers bring feelings of pleasure and beauty, and indicate
freshness with what we are doing. Opening petals indicate new opportunities
and new horizons that will lead to fulfilment.

The bridge signifies the transition between one stage of our life and another,
and is a symbol of the connection between the ordinary and spiritual self. A
bridge also signifies the emotional connection between ourselves and others,
or various parts of our lives.

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The manor house may indicate the need to expand our horizons or
capabilities to establish ourselves more firmly, or to make a bolder statement
about ourselves, such as an increase in prosperity.

On the whole, the Four of Wands is a time for celebration and positive
interaction. It signifies harmony, peace and satisfaction, and the sense of
achievement we feel after successfully completing a project or a period of
work. There is every reason to celebrate as this card represents the settling of
a conflict, prosperity, new opportunities, social events, or long-awaited rest
and relaxation. Celebrations could come in the form of a successful legal
settlement, the birth of a child, an engagement, a marriage, a committed
relationship, moving to a bigger and better home, sharing our good fortune
with others, or a well-earned holiday or break after all our hard work.
However, sorry to spoil the party, but we must realise that when the fun is
over we have to return to work in order to strengthen the foundations we are
building for the future.

This card is related to the number four in numerology therefore, any other
information associated with the Four of wands can be found in the section on
Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
The Four of Wands usually appears when you have been going through a
period of hard and stressful work, probably trying to reach a deadline. Now
you can enjoy a period of peace and quiet, maybe by taking a holiday or a
break of some kind. It is a time to recoup your strength and energy after a
prolonged effort. The hard work has been completed and you have done a
good job. Perhaps you are recovering from hardship and now find yourself in
a more stable and reassuring situation because you are reaping the benefits
and feel content with your well-earned success. You are free to enjoy the
results of your hard work and it looks like it is going to last for a while longer.

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There is a powerful sense of security and wellbeing in your life, your
relationships are stable and marriage could be on the cards.

Creative achievements are also highlighted, so maybe you are thinking of

refurbishing or renovating your home, or even moving to a new house.
However, you need to be prepared to work harder to reach your goals, but I
think you already know that. You are in a situation where you know you can
show self-control, realism and constancy, and you are prepared to keep up
the hard work. Just make sure that you have regained enough strength before
going on to the next stage.

Negative
It is not much different when negative, except that you may have an obstacle
to overcome possibly a problem with property, such as delays to completion.
You will still be heading towards achieving what you want, but there may not
be the same amount of peace, prosperity and success. There may be
unnecessary anxiety causing problems and difficulties. Be patient for a little
longer and do not lose heart.

People
Those who have their feet firmly planted on the ground. Those who are not
afraid of hard work. Those who never go beyond their limitations. Those who
are realistic. Those who do not like taking risks or venturing into the unknown.
Those who only act when they have all the facts.

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 Five of Wands

Key words and phrases: Unexpected problems.

Competition. Conflict. Reckless actions. Collaboration.
Self doubt. Strife. Irritation. Debate. Rivalry. Delays.
Proving your abilities through adversity.

Symbolic Meaning
The Five of Wands in the Waite deck depicts what
seems to either look like a battle, competition, conflict
or struggle between five young male opponents
challenging each other with staves.

The battle signifies that we may be dealing with some sort of conflict or
struggling to make a decision. It represents the personal battles and
struggles that we all go through in our everyday lives. Perhaps we need to
look at the people in our lives that we communicate with, maybe they are
being aggressive towards us or domineering. The Five of Wands can also
mean that we have a conflict between our head and heart.

Perhaps they are in competition with each other and trying to prove who has
the best skill, talent or intellectual ability. Competition tests our confidence or
assertiveness and gives us a feeling of self-worth. However, competition
within a relationship can be damaging if we feel that we have to keep on
verbally scoring points off our loved ones or the people we come into contact
with everyday.

The opponents within this card may represent real people in our lives, or an
element of ourselves that we are not happy with. Usually though, opponents
will represent the people that we are having conflict with or some sort of
power struggle with.

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Conflict can come at us from all sorts of origin, such as work, love, sex,
money, children, and so on, and often has no easy solution.

We may struggle to survive, make ends meet, or struggle to solve other

problems. It could possibly be a conflict between two aspects of our mind, for
example, between our conscious ego and some subconscious drive.

On the whole, the Five of Wands represents a period of uncertainty and the
struggles, challenges and minor annoyances that we come up against within
our everyday lives. It can also symbolise healthy competition or hidden rivals.
This card represents one of those times when everything seems to be going
against us and we justifiably feel the need to rise to the challenge. However,
in order to resolve any conflict we must be willing to put away our ego and
take the time to listen to the other person’s point of view. Unfortunately,
human nature has a habit of not backing down, and will usually strongly
confront others in an effort to resolve the situation.

There is always some kind of conflict in our lives, it is inevitable and

sometimes unavoidable, but it is not a call to arms. A disagreement is a
disagreement and does not mean that we have to defend ourselves because
we are under attack. We need to be willing to cooperate and be open to the
ideas of others. Our egos can cause more trouble than its worth and never
brings about a worthwhile solution. Although this card might suggest
unavoidable trouble it also indicates that our energy will help us to effectively
deal with it. It suggests that we must not let these irritations get the better of
us and we should take time out to reflect on what really matters.

This card relates to the number five in numerology therefore, refer to the
section on Tarot and Numerology to find other information associated with the
Five of Wands.

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Interpretation
The Five of Wands usually appears when you are going through one of those
times where nothing seems to run smoothly and you are facing a barrage of
obstacles or delays. Perhaps this is due to a change in your life or a situation,
and the future does not look very reassuring at this moment in time, which is
making you feel somewhat insecure. Maybe you are in a situation of conflict
or rivalry and have to compete to get what you want. Even so, you should not
become a victim, stand up for yourself and be firm even though the pressure
is on. If you are trying to voice your ideas, views or proposals on a certain
subject and come up against conflicting views, you cannot deny others to put
their own ideas forward even though it is frustrating.

There is always going to be power struggles or opposition in our lives, and we

need to meet the challenge of competition because it is a good way of
reassessing our attitudes, testing our skills, and overcoming the obstacles in
order to achieve our goals or ambitions. Perhaps you are engaged in a
quarrel or dispute with someone and you want to try to resolve the conflict and
clear the air. Obviously you will have to exercise your personal integrity in a
way that does not cause conflict, and usually trying to discuss the situation
can be beneficial and can create harmony between you both.

The Five of Wands can also signify travel delays, legal action, and taking care
when signing contracts or agreements. If you find yourself being challenged,
suffering from irritations or setbacks, quarrelling, arguing and bickering, you
need to draw on your inner reserves of strength, be courageous and patient,
and retain your clarity when dealing with difficult situations. However, you
need to be alert and aware of the obstacles and difficulties, leave nothing to
chance, and be careful with whom you give your trust.

Negative
When the five of Wands appears it indicates that disputes are likely to be
resolved in court or through legal negotiations. You may have confused

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thoughts and find it hard to make a decision. You are allowing failure to deter
you and may feel that you have hit a dead end, which is causing you to have
sudden bursts of anger. Perhaps you are being misinformed or being led
astray.

People
Those who have a strong temperament. Those who concern themselves with
order and organisation. Those in control of a situation. Those who are aware
of their responsibilities and their duty. Those who are open to compromise.
Those who rise to the challenge. Those who become embroiled in a debate.
Those having minor setbacks.

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 Six of Wands

Key words and phrases: Victory. Triumph. Good

news. Accomplishment. Promotion. Recognition.
Success. Progress. Reward. Honours.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck the Six of Wands depicts a man of
authority proudly riding a white horse alongside his
foot soldiers. He wears a laurel crown on his head and
carries a staff that also has a laurel wreath hanging
from it.

The white horse signifies increased strength, stamina and virility, and
indicates that is time to “take hold of the reins” and assume control. A white
horse is a symbol of light, life and spiritual awareness and because of its
speed can signify that we are moving swiftly towards our goal. The horse
became a symbol of power and wealth for the native tribes of America after
the Europeans introduced the horse to North America in the 16th century.

Laurel leaves were the crowning emblem of warriors and poets in the Greco-
Roman world and also associated with Apollo. A laurel crown was a symbol
of truce, victory, peace, divination and purification, and was a mark of honour
given to people with outstanding strategic, intellectual or creative
achievement.

The staff is a symbol of authority and rulership and implies royal and divine
power. Through the centuries the staff has been used for imperial or kingly
position.

The foot soldiers represent the need of a cause or crusade in order to give
us a sense of identity. They could mean that we are looking for leadership or
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that we are aware of being influenced by other people. Soldiers can also
suggest that we must recognise our need to take the initiative or to identify
what drives us.

On the whole, the Six of Wands represents the well-deserved successes we

have achieved so far. Our past efforts have now been worthwhile and we can
rest on our laurels for a short time. Everything we have worked for is now
being recognised, which boosts our self-confidence and self-esteem.
However, we will have to watch that we do not party for too long because we
still have quite a lot more to do. This is just the end of one cycle and another
one is about to begin. We have every right to enjoy our victory or
achievements so far, but we need to keep focused on our future goals. For
the moment however, we can hold our heads up high because we have
earned the applause for what we have achieved.

This card is related to the number six in numerology therefore, for more
information associated with the Six of Wands please refer to the section on
Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Six of Wands appears in a spread your past efforts are about to be
rewarded. Your prospects look positive and you may receive some kind of
recognition for your work, maybe in the form of a promotion or an increase in
salary, or perhaps by achieving honours through study. It is a good card if you
are coming out of a period of struggle, and suggests that you can relax a little
bit more. You will overcome the obstacles that seemed to block your progress
and you will feel extremely pleased with yourself. Keep on going because you
will get there in the end. Perhaps you have a good potential for leadership and
may be about to be promoted into such a position. However, remember and
acknowledge the people who have supported you along the way. Good news
and positive changes are coming, negotiations will go well, agreements will be

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reached, and your problems will be solved. For the moment you can
celebrate, but just focus on your goals and victory will be assured.

Negative
Usually when the Six of Wands is in a negative position, it suggests that most
of your difficulties may be caused by other people. Other people may be
having an adverse effect on you through such things as bad workmanship or
using delaying tactics. Perhaps someone may win some kind of battle against
you. It is not a good time to push forward, hold back until the situation
becomes better.

People
Those who receive acclaim for their successes. Those who put in the effort to
achieve their goals. Those who win the “battle.”

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 Seven of Wands

Key words and phrases: Taking a stand. Courage.

Bravery. Holding firm against opposition. Challenge.
Success against obstacles. Determination. Having the
advantage. Good results. Self-confidence. Valour.
Competition. Assertion. Problems solved.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck the Seven of Wands depicts a
young man holding his staff in a defensive position
while standing on top of a hill and ready to do battle
with six opponents.

Battling can suggest that we may feel invaded by a particular person or

circumstance and we have to defend our personal space or situation, or it
could signify someone who is trying to bully or abuse us.

Fighting represents the personal battles and struggles of our everyday lives.
Fighting usually indicates that we are confronting our need for independence.
Is there someone or something invading our space?

Being armed signifies that we are ready for the fight, either feeling aggressive
or being prepared, and usually means that we are in control of the situation.

Being on top of a hill signifies that success is assured and our goal will be
reached against all obstacles and opposition. A hill also suggests that we are
aware of our own vision of what we want to achieve and have worked hard to
reach it, and we are now able to survey and assess the results of what we
have done.

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On the whole, the Seven of Wands signifies a period when we have to work
extremely hard, and denotes a struggle where tenacity and perseverance is
needed. The odds may be against us but we will stand firm and fend off the
competition or obstacles that are ahead of us. The circumstances around us
cannot be changed, but that does not mean that we are unable to be in full
control of how we react and respond to them. Our obstacles will fall by the
wayside if we can find the strength of character and courage to fight off the
competition to achieve the status or position we have been aiming for. We
may be challenged to fight for what we want or have, or may even have to
defend what we believe, but if we go into battle with an open mind and we are
able to listen to suggestions or grievances without becoming aggressive we
will probably win the battle. Apart from that, healthy competition helps us to
develop our talents and spurs us on to achieve our personal best. So, if we
can stand firm and have faith in what we are aiming for or believe in, then with
a little more effort we will be successful.

This card is related to the number seven in numerology therefore, if more

information is required then turn to the section on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
The Seven of Wands in a spread suggests that you may be challenged to
defend your values, beliefs or circumstances, and need to draw on your inner
strength and courage to fight against adversity. Perhaps a situation or some
kind of conflict is coming to a head, maybe there is some test that you have to
face, or you feel that your present position is being opposed. Do not let others
take advantage of you, be prepared to defend your position and do not give
up, because if you put in the energy and effort then you will be successful.
Take a stand and defend your position, only by being assertive and holding
firm to what you believe in will enable you to win the day. There may be
competition from others but through your efforts and hard work you will be
rewarded. Your personal resolve, skill, courage and determination are
necessary if you are to be successful. It may not be easy, but believe you can

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handle it because you have the ability to cope with the challenge, just trust
your intuition and judgement.

If you are involved in a business transaction you may have to face some stiff
competition, which could come in the form of a job or career move, but this
card suggests that your ability to do the job will make this move successful.
Creative pursuits are also favoured, so perhaps you may be entering a period
of learning. The Seven of Wands can suggest problems in personal
relationships, therefore there may be some specific issues that need resolving
with loved ones or people you have close contact with. You are able to hold
your own in an argument, so stop doubting and be decisive.

Negative
In a negative position, the Seven of Wands suggests that you need to sort out
the worst of the problems and avoid taking on any more responsibilities at the
moment. There may be an embarrassing situation coming and it will feel like
circumstances are slipping out of your control. Perhaps you are being troubled
by unsatisfactory relationships, and you are becoming hostile through
defending yourself from being hurt. Too many worries and anxiety may get the
better of you and affect your judgement.

People
Those who are courageous and sure of themselves, their qualities and their
worth. Those who do not hesitate to devote themselves entirely to their work.
Those who always bring their ventures to fruition. Those who are serious,
reliable and can be trusted. Those who stand their ground. Those who make
things happen.

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 Eight of Wands

Key words and phrases: Movement. Activation. Full

steam ahead. Speed. Flight. Travel by air. News
coming in. An opportunity to prove ourselves. Passion.
Acceleration in affairs. A flurry of activity. Signals.
Productivity. New ideas. A holiday. Fast progress. The
end of delay and stagnation. Communication.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck, eight staves are shown flying at an
angle across the sky. A river is cutting across the land
below and a grand house stands on a hilltop in the background.

The flying staves symbolise a release from stress or pressure and liberation
from our physical cares or restrictions enabling us to move on to new heights.
They may represent a promotion or the urge to flaunt our accomplishments.
Flying staves can also refer to our plans or ideas taking off and becoming
successful.

The river signifies peace and comfort or going with the scheme of things or
events. It can stand for our potential and our ability to create a new life, and
suggests that we are aware of the flow of our emotions.

The grand house indicates that we may have a need to expand our horizons
or capabilities and to establish ourselves more firmly. We just need to be sure
that we do not take on more that we can handle.

The hilltop signifies that success is assured and no matter what obstacles or
opposition we come up against our goals will be reached.

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On the whole, the Eight of Wands represents motion, activity and movement
towards a new goal. It is a decisive change after a period of delay, life is full of
promise and anticipation and we have come into a very exciting phase. We
may be starting on a new adventure, which may comprise of new activities or
interests where we are able to demonstrate our skills and ideas to promote
our goals and ambitions. Last minute travel bookings are also indicated with
the Eight of Wands, so perhaps we may be visiting a country for the first time
for a holiday or a business trip. A positive future is ahead of us and we have
every opportunity to broaden our horizons no matter what direction we take.
However, we need to remember that all adventures and activities come to an
end sooner or later, therefore we need to be on the ball and ahead of the
game to keep the success flowing. Fortunately, this is a time when we have
been blessed with additional energy, so make the most of it.

This card is related to the number eight in numerology therefore, please refer
to the section on Tarot and Numerology for other information associated with
the Eight of Wands.

Interpretation
The appearance of the Eight of Wands in a spread suggests that after a
period of delay you are now entering an exciting and lively period,
communications are highlighted and it is now time to get moving. You are
approaching a goal and are filled with energy and enthusiasm. New ideas and
any project you have been working on will start to take off, which will lead you
into to a very busy time with your business affairs. There could be business
travel here or abroad, and perhaps even a house move, or at the least some
good news arriving from overseas. Things are starting to move and will
quickly grow from strength to strength.

Friendship, love and romance is also highlighted, which could either develop
as a sudden passionate love affair, or you may even fall head over heels in
love. Perhaps you need to put your romantic head on and tell someone you

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love them. However, it could also mean that things are up in the air and you
need to decisively make your move and put your plans into action in order to
attain a positive outcome. But rather than carelessly rushing in, it may be
better to wait and see how things work out. Stay alert and pay attention to
everything that comes your way for a while.

Negative
If the Eight of wands is in a negative position there may be complications or
mistakes as a result of trying to do too many things at once. Pressure may
lead you to make hasty decisions. Perhaps you are keeping busy to stop you
from facing some other inner pain. Maybe you feel that you are not busy
enough and are not making any progress. There could be an air of jealousy
with you about someone, or with someone about you. Events outside your
control may disrupt your plans. You may have to rearrange trips or allow more
time for them.

People
Those who feel a necessary urge to change their usual occupation. Those
who suddenly decide to go on a trip abroad. Those who are approaching a
goal. Those who are on the go.

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 Nine of Wands

Key words and phrases: Strength. Discipline. On

guard. Fighting for your rights. Courage.
Determination. Hidden enemies. Being watchful.
Temporary truce. Standing up for yourself. Being
prepared. Stability. Persistence. Control of events.
Looking over your shoulder. Watching your back.
Hidden enemies. Advantage. Standing up for yourself.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck the Nine of Wands depicts a man
with a bandage on his head standing on guard while holding a staff. Eight
other staffs are planted in the ground to form a barrier behind him.

The bandage symbolises preservation or a protective healing process. It can

signify a past unpleasant experience that we should learn from. A bandage
represents our emotional bumps and scrapes, and perhaps there may be hurt
feelings, emotional injuries or wounds that need attention.

Standing on guard signifies that we are being watchful and alert for
information or an event, or it could be a signal to be aware of problems.

Holding on to the staff symbolises an inner conflict that needs sorting out. It
signifies the support we need through life, and represents an inner journey of
the mind that we may need to take however, it does suggest that we will
receive help if we need it.

The barrier may symbolise that we are putting up barriers to protect us from
becoming too intimate with others, or because we find it hard to express
ourselves. A barrier can also represent a sense of security and ownership.

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On the whole, the Nine of Wands signifies that we should not allow the
challenges of life to dampen our spirit. It may indicate that we feel threatened
and insecure, and the odds may look overwhelming but suggests that we
need to be strong and not lose faith. We have to push through the obstacles
and setbacks and put in one last effort to reach our goal. Through the trials of
the past we become a stronger person, so no matter what is thrown at us we
should be able to come through this period successfully. Setbacks should
never stop us from pursuing our dreams, no matter what opposition we come
up against the future looks positive and we will get through it. Sometimes life
can be hard and puts us on the defence, it can make us feel wary but we
should not allow ourselves to become bitter and resentful.

This card relates to the number nine in numerology, if any other information is
required then refer to the section on Tarot and Numerology for information
associated with the Nine of Wands.

Interpretation
When the Nine of Wands appears in a spread it indicates that you are
experiencing on-going difficulties and feel that you are losing faith in your own
abilities. Stay true to what you believe in and stand your ground, however do
not become stubborn and inflexible. Maybe you have been hurt in the past
and now you are protecting yourself and being wary of making any future
commitments, which may be due to the emotional wounds from a past
relationship. You must obviously have become a stronger person due to your
emotional experiences, but be aware that you do not come over as a cold and
bitter person with others, especially with loved ones or those who are close to
you.

Do not allow setbacks to cause you to lose incentive, stay focused on your
goal. Have the courage and determination to succeed no matter what
obstacles or opposition you come up against, and it is alright for you to stand
your ground, but use gentle strength and do not make any demands, with

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quiet resolution you will reach your goal. Obviously you do not want to allow
yourself to be defeated, so by all means prepare yourself for any setbacks. As
a matter of fact you know that you are equipped to face the challenges ahead
and have the strength to tackle any problem, all you need to do is just put in
the effort that will guarantee a successful outcome. You might be in a position
where you have to bide your time, but you must stay faithful to the purpose or
goal, and once you have overcome the obstacles you are home free. You just
need to recognise that you are in a strong position to move forward. Even if
everyone and everything seems to be against you at the moment, do not give
up.

Negative
In a negative position the Nine of Wands signifies that you may be suffering
fatigue and are not in the mood to deal with more stressful situations. Maybe
you are becoming impatient with having to wait, which is causing you constant
tension and anxiety. Perhaps you feel that someone close to you is
concealing something, and this distrust is making it difficult for you to relax.
You may be lacking initiative, and feel unprepared and vulnerable, or you are
suffering mentally due to overwork.

People
Those who are determined to reach their goals. Those who are not
discouraged by any difficulty or obstacle. Those who worry about their health.
Those who lack resilience and energy. Those who are misusing their strength.
Those who fight for their rights and reputation. Those who take extra
precautions. Those who demonstrate their physical strength. Those who feel
wary and guarded.

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 Ten of Wands

Key words and phrases: Burden. Excessive activity.

Oppression. Taking on more than you can handle.
Stress. Accomplishment. Success. Striving to reach a
goal or maintain a certain level. The price of success.
Workaholic. Competence. Biting off more than you
can chew. Progress and success through efforts.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck it depicts a man awkwardly
clutching ten staves and trying to carry them to the
buildings beyond. He can hardly see where he is going and his posture seems
eager but uncomfortable.

Carrying suggests that we need to look at what is being accepted as a

burden or difficulty. Maybe we are carrying a load through life, which could be
guilt that stems from childhood traumas. Carrying can also signify that
someone keeps getting on our back and imposing their choices and values on
you, or we may even enjoy playing the martyr.

Buildings can signify that we may feel trapped by responsibilities and need to
escape, or we are looking for security without the responsibility. How we view
buildings can tell us a lot about how we see ourselves, for example, a small
cottage can be cosy and comfortable or cramped and unpleasant. They can
represent the structure we try to give to our everyday lives, such as the
attitudes and beliefs we have formed that have been built from experience
and perception, as well as from our families and those around us. Buildings
can also represent our self-image or the way we want to be seen by others or
what we want from life.

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The man’s posture may signify our struggle to survive, to make ends meet, or
to solve other problems. Maybe the cause is physical pain or pent-up emotion.
A bent back signifies that we are feeling overburdened or downhearted. It
can suggest that we need extra strength, support or courage in order to get
through our situation. The posture of the man depicted on the Nine of Wands
could mean that other people are not giving us enough support, and can also
signify that a particular situation no longer has a place in our lives. If a
situation is getting us down then we need to seriously consider physically
getting out of it.

On the whole, the Nine of Wands is connected with ambition, success and
power, winning is Important but unfortunately can lead to burden. It signifies
that we must be careful not to be overwhelmed by our work or success. We
need to look at the goals we have set for ourselves and know the limits to
what we can achieve. Our work should feel rewarding, we should be able to
enjoy it, and not have to struggle or take on more to secure our jobs and
livelihood.

We probably think that our hard work will eventually pay off, is it worth all the
suffering we may be going through? We set our goals so that we can improve
our quality of life and not to neglect or destroy it. Therefore, we need to find
ways to relieve our burden, otherwise our health could suffer because of
burnout or fatigue.

Perhaps we should learn to delegate and take some time out now and again
before other areas of our lives start to deteriorate. However, the Ten of
Wands can also signify a time when we have to take on more responsibility
because we are the only one who can, or we bury our heads in our work
because there are other issues that we do not want to face. Nevertheless,
whatever the situation we should not have to work under pressure or burden,
or bite off more than we can chew.

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This card relates to the number ten in numerology therefore, for other
information related to the Ten of Wands please refer to the section on Tarot
and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Ten of Wands appears in a spread suggests that you are struggling
as a result of overburden and responsibility. You may be feeling under
pressure and have experienced many changes in your life, which are now
coming to a head. It probably seems too much at times, but surely you do not
have to do everything yourself. Fatigue may be leaving you feeling drained
and your life has become a struggle. It is an ideal time to trust the help and
advice of the people whose opinions you value, so learn to delegate and take
some time out to relax. It is important to realise your motives for overdoing it
and ask yourself whether you enjoy the heavy responsibility.

Perhaps your career is that important to you that it has become obsessive
behaviour and has put a strain on other aspects of your life. Your overwork
may lead to health and relationship problems, it is all well and good to keep
sight on your goals, but it might be a good idea to lower your expectations a
little before you lose other areas of your life that are close to your heart.
However, the Ten of Wands is about beginnings and endings, so a past cycle
of you life may be coming to an end with new opportunities or a creative
phase opening up for you. Nevertheless your determination and resolve will
only pay off when you get rid of the posture or attitude that has been
restraining you. You may even achieve some kind of recognition or promotion,
but whatever it is do not let it consume your life, take time out to play.

Negative
In a negative position the Ten of Wands suggests that your talents, abilities
and skills may be being used in the wrong way. Perhaps you are making
things hard for yourself and need to learn that there are no short cuts to
achieve success. Maybe you are becoming overburdened to please others or

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to avoid personal issues. You are not allowing yourself to relax and recover. If
you are going through some kind of lawsuit there will be some loss on your
side.

People
Those who are burdened or overworked. Those who are extremely ambitious.
Those who cause problems or burdens for others. Those who are promoted.
Those who exceed in examinations. Those who have succeeded in their
material or social lives. Those who are trying to do too much.

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 Page of Wands

Key words and phrases: An opportunity coming your

way. A change of career or job. Communication.
Helpful information. A long-term plan. Enthusiasm. An
enthusiastic young lover. A courageous and energetic
young person. A faithful and loyal person. An
inspirational and creative person.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck the Page of Wands depicts a young
person standing on arid ground seemingly studying a
staff he/she is holding. In the distance are three mountains and even though
nothing grows on the land the staff has leaves growing from it.

The arid ground can represent feelings of isolation or loneliness and the
need for nurturing, or can symbolise a place of spiritual enlightenment. It may
also signify that we are leaving our present state of mind or lifestyle behind
and entering a period where anything is possible and choices have to be
made. Arid ground can symbolise our Shadow, the components of our
character and personality that our consciousness has not yet reached. Our
subconscious is calling us to a new stage of development.

The staff that the Page of Wands seems to be studying suggests that we are
going through a powerful learning process and signifies achievement and
success in our chosen subjects. Maybe we are learning new skills or learning
about the nature of people and relationships.

The three mountains symbolise that we are rising above the common
pursuits of our everyday lives and going in search of our true self or the
meaning of life. They represent the challenges, obstacles and goals in our
lives. Our approach to the mountains signifies how we are approaching our
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challenges, and can symbolise our current perspective on life. Being at the
bottom of the mountains represents the challenges yet to come.

Three is a creative number and represents creative enterprise and growth,

and signifies all that is active and fertile. The number three suggests material
benefit from a successful harvest. It also indicates incoming news and
anything to do with papers or paperwork. Three expresses all aspects of
creation, including birth, life and death; past, present and future; and mind,
body and soul.

The leaves on the staff symbolise a period of growth and fertility, and can
also indicate time. Bright green leaves indicate fresh hope, new beginnings
and new opportunities.

On the whole, the Page of Wands symbolises that we are at the beginning of
a new creative phase and are about to revitalize our circumstances because
we sense that we are ready to reveal our ideas and put them to the test. It
signifies that we are passionate and goal orientated and ready to seize the
challenge of any opportunities that may be ahead of us. Our whole situation is
coloured with excitement and adventure in our desire to grow and learn,
however we need to be able to keep up the energy and enthusiasm.

The Page of Wands can also represent someone who acts as a messenger
who brings us the opportunities that stirs up our passion and inspires us to
move forward with courage and creativity. This person could either be a child
or an adult who is young at heart whose influence will help us to feel more
independent, instil more energy into us, share our enthusiasm, and may
reassure us that it is alright to take a risk now and again. Nevertheless,
whatever we do, the belief and confidence we have built up in ourselves will
get us through no matter what obstacles we have to overcome.

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The Page of Wands is linked to the zodiacal sign of Sagittarius. For any other
information related to this card refer to the section in this book on the Court
Cards and Astrology.

Interpretation
When the Page of Wands appears in a spread you want things to change
because you feel that life has become stagnant and you want to put more
sparkle into it. You want to find a solution to your problems, and get out of this
oppressed situation. You have a burning desire to try new things and maybe
change your job or career. Focus on the direction you would like to take in life,
let go of your fears and take a risk if you think it would benefit you in the long
run. Do not sink into apathy, be a leader. You need to draw upon your
creative potential, and be confident in the belief that you can tackle any
challenges or obstacles in the effort to work towards your dreams.

Life is about to move at a faster pace, so engage in, or study interests that
keep you working towards your goal. Good news and new opportunities that
are on the way will excite you, making you more enthusiastic to push yourself
towards your aims. This could be in the form of an inspirational idea that you
are able to put into action, or someone may give you the help and support you
need to achieve a plan that you are working on. Perhaps you are thinking of
starting a course of study that will give you the opportunity to use your
knowledge, skills, know-how, or talent.

The Page of Wands can signify people in your life. Maybe you are dealing
with a child or teenager who is enthusiastic, energetic, takes risks and wants
to be independent. You may also expect some important or happy news,
which more than likely will come from a relative or a friend, perhaps a loyal
friend or new friendship may turn out to be a new lover or new romance. It is a
good time to start a new venture, so expect invitations, dealings with property,
and short journeys. Success will need time and energy invested into it, just
remember your responsibility in relationships.

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Negative
In a negative position the Page of Wands can signify that you may be dealing
with a young child or teenager who is hyperactive and has difficulty with
reading and writing. There may be financial losses due to extravagance or
over-optimism. Perhaps your prestige has been damaged as a result of faulty
judgement, carelessness or the unsound advice of others. Your projects may
have failed due to a lack of wisdom or the inability to attract the support of
significant people. Illnesses may result from overindulgence leading to excess
weight and ailments associated with this, or from carelessness and lack of
foresight. There may be trouble through legal, religious or educational affairs,
also with publishing, such as the spreading of propaganda.

People
Those who are young, energetic, passionate and determined to acquire
knowledge. Those who are already knowledgeable in their own field of
enterprise. Those who start an enquiry, an investigation or research. Those
who are looking for the truth. Those who are creative and know how to exploit
their talent. Those whose intentions may be driven by self-interest. Those with
fixed ideas, lack in flexibility or the ability to adapt. Those who widen their
education through travel. Those who bring exciting news. Those who are in
connection with transport or communication. Those who are in connection
with the spreading of ideas. Those who record facts. Those who travel and
categorize foreign countries.

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 Knight of Wands

Key words and phrases: A young man. Adventure.

Energy. Journey. Travel. Excitement. Opportunity.
Surprise. Willpower. Courage. Humanitarianism.
Useful and beneficial changes. A change of residence.
Widening horizons. Sudden changes. A proposition.
Enterprise. New ideas and experiences. Challenge.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck the Knight of Wands is depicted as
a young man wearing armour and riding his horse
while holding a staff with leaves growing from it. His helmet is decorated with
a red plume and his garment is decorated with salamanders. This Knight is
riding across barren land and in the distance are three mountains.

For a woman a knight can symbolise a romantic relationship or trying to find

the perfect partner. For a man it can symbolise that he may be looking for the
heroic part of himself, the part that has the confidence and courage to take
risks. For male and female the knight may represent the spiritual side of our
nature. Overall, the knight suggests that we are striving for honour and
respect, and determined to be true to ourselves.

In medieval Europe, armour symbolised the knightly virtues of courage,

protection, honour and strength. Armour is a symbol of chivalry, protection
and the need to protect or be protected, possibly from something that is
threatening us. It can signify that we are making an effort to protect ourselves
against the emotions that fill us with anxiety, or we may feel a need to protect
our ideas, ideals or dreams from ridicule or misunderstanding. Armour can
also signify an inflexibility that prevents us from moving into new situations.

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A horse symbolises life-giving but dangerous forces, as well as increased
power, strength, stamina, vitality and virility. A brown horse represents the
more rational and sensible side of our nature, and riding a horse indicates it
is time to take control because we are moving swiftly towards our goal. A
horse may also signify that we are going to be travelling in the near future.

The staff signifies the support we may need to help us through life, and
suggests that we are able to create stability and support, and can stand firm in
the presence of difficulty.

The leaves on the staff represent a period of growth and fertility, and can also
indicate time. Bright green leaves indicate fresh hope, new beginnings and
new opportunities.

The red plume signifies the display of our power and strength in achieving
what we want. It may also be a signal of defiance, where we need to stand
firm and show our colours. The colour red indicates intense emotions and a
drive for survival, attaining goals, achievement, and passionate feelings. It is
also the colour of the vital substance of life and death.

Salamanders shed their skin, and because of this it signifies that we are at a
transition point and a major change is coming, which could be within
ourselves or in our personal or professional lives. They are associated with
our natural needs and drives. Salamanders can suggest that we may have
been dealing with issues that are important to our sense of personal or
professional survival. We may need to consider whether we have been
ruthless or “cold-blooded” in our quest to reach our goals. They can also
suggest that we may have adopted a passive stance on a situation that
needed action.

The barren land can symbolise a place of spiritual enlightenment or indicate

feelings of isolation or loneliness, and the need for nurturing. It may symbolise

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our Shadow, the components of our character or personality that our
consciousness has not yet reached. Our subconscious is calling us to a new
stage of development. Barren land may signify that we are leaving our
present state of mind or lifestyle behind and entering a period where
everything is possible and choices have to be made.

The three mountains symbolise that we are rising above the common
pursuits of everyday life and going in search of our true self or the meaning of
life. Our approach to the mountains signifies how we are approaching our
challenges, and our current perspective on life. Being at the bottom of a
mountain represents the challenges yet to come.

Three is a creative number representing growth and creative enterprise. This

number expresses all aspects of creation, such as, birth, life and death; past,
present and future; and mind, body and soul. Three represents all that is
active and fertile, and suggests material benefits as a result of a successful
harvest. It indicates incoming news and anything associated with papers or
paperwork.

On the whole, the Knight of Wands is full of energy and life. He signifies a
busy period in our life and a drive for change. If we have been weighed down
with problems and difficulties his spirit of adventure will lead us into the
unknown, arming us with the confidence, zest and determination to try
something new. Our hopes and ideas may develop into an exciting venture
that could lead us in different directions. However, a few of this Knight’s ideas
may seem far-fetched, but he will always inspire us with the energy, courage
and passion he puts into them. He hates being held back and has a habit of
jumping in on situations without thinking about it, or planning it out. For him it
is the right way to be, so perhaps we should take a leaf out of his book and do
something on the spur of the moment and have some fun. The Knight of
Wands also indicates travel, adventure, exploration and house moves either
for business or pleasure, therefore we can expect changes coming in our lives

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that require us to make some phone calls, write some letters or make a few
journeys.

The Knight of Wands is linked to the fire element of the zodiacal signs of
Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. For any other information regarding this card, refer
to the section in this book on the Court Cards and Astrology.

Interpretation
When the Knight of Wands appears in a spread it usually signifies that you or
a younger man in your life have big plans for the future and maybe even a
change of environment. If this person is not you then it is someone who has
the power, determination and drive to achieve what he wants, and the energy
and creativity to succeed. However, if this card does represent you, then you
feel that something better is just around the corner and you are ready to take
a step into the unknown.

This could be the start or end of something significant, socially you will have
many invitations that may lead to an improvement in your romantic
relationships, and possibly the start of a sexual relationship. Perhaps you are
moving house and your motive is to get away from an oppressive person or
circumstance because you do not like to be held back or controlled. Change is
in the air, activity and movement and the spirit of adventure is about to enter
your life. Maybe you are going to travel abroad for a holiday or stay on a more
permanent basis, perhaps for work. This could be a phase where you receive
many potential job offers, so you can expect news confirming this through
phone calls and letters. You may be starting on a creative project or be
offered a job opportunity that could lead to a long-lasting achievement, or
perhaps you make a journey for work that could turn out to be very productive.

However, the Knight of Wands is impetuous and often jumps in too quickly
without thinking or planning when he is pursuing his goals, and often becomes
bored very easily. He loves the challenge and is good at starting any project,

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but has a problem when it comes to finishing it. In a woman’s reading, the
Knight of Wands may be a man who enters your life that you take a shine to
hoping that it may be the start of a possible relationship, however, beware
because he may lack commitment and not be necessarily loyal to the
relationship.

Overall, what you really need to think about when this card appears is
whether this Knight’s confidence and passion is an asset or anguish to you. Is
it an aspect of you, someone else or the mood of the situation around you? If
your answer is yes, then you may need a change. If you feel that you are not
blessed with this Knight’s energy and passion, then try to get out of your rut
and escape into his world of adventure, excitement and risk taking by trying
something new or going out and having some fun.

Negative
In a negative position the Knight of Wands suggests that there is uncertainty,
stress and difficulty with trying to work out where you are up to and what you
need to be doing. Your ideas are becoming obsessive. Maybe you are doing
what has been asked of you but you are not questioning the consequences of
your actions. Perhaps you are being demanding, obstinate and stubborn. You
are acting without thinking and your temper is getting you into trouble, which
is leading to quarrels with your friends and broken relationships. You are
being too sure of yourself and your abilities, which is making you reckless and
irresponsible and leading to misfortune or setbacks in speculation, investment
or enterprise. You should let time take its course and stop trying to force
issues or results.

People
Those who are self-confident and utterly sure of their talents. Those who will
boldly go where no-one has gone before. Those who make things happen.
Those who rise to the occasion. Those who are passionate and feel strong
loyalties. Those who are charming and seductive. Those who seek novelty,

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change and excitement. Those who pursue sexual conquests. Those who
boast.

Those who are presumptuous, impetuous and restless. Those who cannot put
down roots or make commitments. Those who are ready to fight. Those who
have a chip on their shoulder. Those who are hot-tempered.

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 Queen of Wands

Key words and phrases: Mature woman.

Independent thought. Generous. Attractive and
magnetic. Strength. Exuberance. Courage. Creativity.
Ambitious. Logical mind. Inspiration. Love of nature.
Balances family and career interests. Love of life. Very
passionate. Practical. Conviction. Stable situation.
Self-control. Profitable situation. Sense of order.

Symbolic Meaning
A queen wearing her crown, a gold or yellow robe and
a grey mantle sits on her throne while holding a staff in her right hand and a
sunflower in her left hand. Lions are sculpted on the arms of her throne and a
black cat sits in front of her.

The queen symbolises female authority and readiness to take on a position of

authority. She can signify growing feelings of self-empowerment and a sense
of being in control of our lives. A queen may also represent our mother or
women in authority that we may meet.

The throne is a seat of power and authority in both temporal and spiritual
realm. Traditionally it is a symbol of sovereignty, divine authority and power. A
throne can represent our ability to belong to groups, or to society.

The gold or yellow robe symbolises consciousness, awareness and

intelligence, and is associated with the emotional self, reasoning and
judgement. This colour can represent the spiritual, sacred and dedicated side
of ourselves, and suggests that we have the ability to stretch ourselves
intellectually. Gold or yellow promises that something good and life
enhancing that will lead to success and happiness is coming to us. This colour
is urging us to focus on positive feelings and warmth.
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The grey mantle may symbolise that we need to try and bring some colour
and positive feelings back into our lives, as it can indicate that we may have
lost direction, our mind is unclear and we are feeling drained or depressed. It
is a subconscious reminder that we need to take a serious stance on a current
issue or situation. The colour grey is a symbol of dedication and service.

The crown symbolises status, power and recognition. It represents

acknowledgement and praise for our accomplishments, and suggests that we
may receive an honour of some kind.

The staff signifies the support that we may need to help us through life, and
suggests that we are able to create stability and support, and can stand firm in
the presence of difficulty.

Lions symbolise leadership abilities, dignity, strength, courage, success and

victory. They signify that tremendous power is available to us if we allow
ourselves to tap into it. Lions can also signify the ego and our feelings
associated with it. In alchemy it represents sexual passion, and a green lion
was linked with the wild forces of nature. They were also associated with the
mother goddess Ishtar, and were a symbol of divine protection in the classical
world. Christ and Buddah associated the lion as a symbol of spiritual zeal and
enlightenment.

The black cat signifies the desire for independence and autonomy, and has a
strong connection with our intuition. A cat is linked to our sensuous side, but
usually in women. It can represent the positive, creative and fertile aspect of
the feminine, and indicates the possibility of new growth in our personality. It
can also suggest the refined, self-reliant, but also powerful aspect of woman.
However, the black cat has associations of good luck and prosperity or of evil
because of its associations with witchcraft. The colour black symbolises
materialisation, pessimism and judgement, and can represent some

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subconscious repressed drive or emotion that is lurking within us and waiting
to break free.

On the whole, the Queen of Wands is often attractive, warm, loyal and
trustworthy, and knows exactly what she wants from life. She is loving and
affectionate with a warm smile that attracts a lot of friends and admirers. This
queen is energetic, full of enthusiasm, a talented and intelligent
businesswoman, and a wife and mother. Her life is busy and she prefers it
that way, she is businesslike and cheerful about what she does, and deals
with her duties with commitment and dedication. Hardly anything makes her
feel unhappy, and will spend time with anyone who may need her help.

The Queen of Wands is an extrovert, loves life, is confident, self-assured, and

can accomplish anything she puts her mind to. She has tremendous faith in
her abilities and will make a good role model for anyone who is trying to
achieve their dream. She is capable of transforming her ideas and plans into
something real and workable, and can successfully do this while running a
home and family. She aims to please and enjoys the attention and love that
she receives in return. However, she can be temperamental, and if anyone
crosses her she can fight like a lion, but that is because she is passionate
about what she does and believes in.

The Queen of Wands reminds us that if we are self-fulfilled we are more likely
to attract other people towards us who respect our values and decisions. This
Queen can represent a man or a woman that has her qualities, or a sense of
environment or mood that is cheerful, confident and enthusiastic.

The Queen of Wands is linked to the zodiacal sign of Leo. For any other
information regarding this queen refer to the section in this book on the Court
Cards and Astrology.

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Interpretation
When the Queen of Wands appears in a spread, it is suggesting that you are
ready to reveal the same qualities she has, or someone you come into contact
with has similar traits as this queen. This card is asking you to think and feel
as she does. It suggests that you are sensible, generous and helpful and
manage to achieve a balance between your family and career interests. You
have a loving nature and are a good homemaker as well as a competent
businesswoman. There could be a sudden surge in your business or career,
and perhaps you are about to become involved in a creative project that will
turn out to be materially profitable, but you will have to be on the ball because
it will require a lot of hard work.

However, you are always full of ideas and use your intuition in both your
professional and personal life, and usually attract what you want anyway, so
you are probably anxious to get started on the project because you love to be
kept busy. You are feeling positive, confident, stable, independent and strong,
and have the ability to tackle whatever is ahead with courage and authority,
and ready to show the world. You enjoy the limelight and love to have fun,
and probably attract admirers because of your love of life, warmth and
possibly sexuality, so get out there and party.

If you are a woman, it will mean that you will soon feel emotionally secure. If
you are a man, you are already in touch with the feminine aspects of your
personality, which can be a source of inspiration for your creativity, ideas and
plans. If it is someone in your life or someone you are about to meet, then this
person will usually be a woman who is independent, charismatic and has an
attractive personality. She has good business sense and draws many people
to confide in her. This woman may have some good advice to offer you.
Whatever your situation, a successful outcome to any venture is promised.

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Negative
When the Queen of Wands is in a negative position suggests that someone
may not be keeping the promises that they made to you. You may need to be
careful of a jealous and vengeful woman who is likely to stir things up against
you for no apparent reason. If you are married, maybe you are being
unfaithful.

People
Women that are able to create a powerful first impression. Women with great
sex appeal. Women that tackle a task with total dedication. Women that give
their utmost in any situation. Women that lead an active and busy life. Women
that have an encouraging word for everyone. Women that have faith in their
abilities. Women that quietly demonstrate self-confidence. Competitive
women that enjoy enterprise and the limelight. Women that value their home
and family.

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 King of Wands

Key words and phrases: A mature man. Father. A

man of high office. Entrepreneur. Loyal. Control of
circumstances. Conscientious. Leadership. Ambition.
Complete confidence. A responsible, competent man
of integrity. Negotiation. Professional. Creative.
Conscious self. Passionate. Encouraging. Generous.

Symbolic Meaning
A king sits on his throne while wearing his crown, and
orange, yellow and green robes. He holds a staff that
is sprouting leaves while he surveys his land. The back of his throne is
decorated with lions and salamanders and a salamander is taking an
inquisitive interest on the ground at the left side of the king.

A king may symbolise our father or a father figure. It can signify that we are
feeling in control of a situation. Perhaps we are striving to increase our sense
of power and authority, and are focused on holding onto or gaining a position
of authority. A king can also signify that someone may be asserting authority
over us.

A throne is a seat of power and authority in both the temporal and spiritual
realm. Traditionally, it is a symbol of kingship, divine authority and power. A
throne is acknowledging our right to take authority and can represent our
ability to belong to groups, or to society.

A crown symbolises status, power and recognition. It represents

acknowledgement and praise for our accomplishments, and we may receive
an honour of some kind. A crown also signifies opportunities that will widen
our knowledge and awareness.

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A robe was originally a symbol of sovereignty, but today they represent status
and power. Robes are still used today as with the robes of state decorated
with white ermine, and the judicial, ecclesiastical and academic dignitaries.

The cheerful and uplifting colour of the orange robe is associated with life,
consciousness, satisfaction and autonomy. It suggests that it is the dawn of
an attitude that is optimistic and ready to be more creative, outgoing and
social. The colour orange evokes an upsurge in our energy, particularly
sexual, as it symbolises fertility, and suggests that we will be feeling
increasingly confident about ourselves and our ventures.

The yellow robe symbolises consciousness, intelligence and awareness, and

is associated with the emotional self, judgement and reasoning. This colour
can represent the spiritual, sacred and dedicated side of ourselves, and
signifies that we may be stretching ourselves intellectually. The colour yellow
promises that something positive and life enhancing will bring us happiness
and success, and it urges us to focus on positive feelings and warmth.

The green part of the robe signifies new beginnings, personal growth, and
some new development in our personality. Green is the colour of equilibrium
and compatibility. It suggests that we are opening up to new methods of self-
expression.

The staff signifies the support that we may need to help us through life. It
suggests that we are able to create stability and support, and can stand firm in
the presence of difficulty.

Leaves signify a period of growth and fertility, and can also indicate time.
Bright green leaves indicate fresh hope, new opportunities and new
beginnings.

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Lions symbolise dignity, strength, courage, victory, bravery, vigilance and
fortitude. They are a solar symbol, therefore a sign of power and leadership. It
also represents the ego and the feeling associated with it. A lion suggests
that if we are going through difficulty there will be a successful development or
outcome.

Due to salamanders having the ability to shed their skin, indicates that we
are at a transition point and a major change is coming, that could be within
ourselves, or in our professional or personal lives. They suggest that we may
have been dealing with issues that are important to our sense of professional
or personal survival. Salamanders are associated with our instinctive needs
and drives.

On the whole, the King of Wands depicts a man who has the courage of his
convictions, he is a natural leader and with his devotion and enthusiasm he is
able to inspire others to reach their goals. Because of his warmth and his
enormous zest for life makes him socially very popular. This king is very
enthusiastic with almost everything he does and often becomes excited with
new subjects of interest, in which he puts in a lot of energy.

When the King of Wands has a strong effect on us, we feel positive and
confident, and reminded that we all have our own unique position in this world
and our own approach and vision as how to live it. We begin to start
developing innovative ideas and projects, and are ready and willing to take
chances or go wherever our desire and passion takes us in pursuit of our
goals. We also become able to trust our intuition, and our assertive and
commanding approach to life will inspire others to follow or model our lead.
Education is important to this king as it enables us to grasp and understand
the situation before we start jumping to conclusions, or allowing others to
influence and control our perceptions. Family is also very important to him,
and if he finds the right partner he will stay committed to a long-lasting
relationship.

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The King of Wands is linked to the zodiacal sign of Aries. For any other
information about this king refer to the section in this book on the Court Cards
and Astrology.

Interpretation
When the King of Wands appears in a spread it signifies that we may come
into contact with someone who embodies similar characteristics of this king,
or this card is asking us to demonstrate the same qualities as him, and the
kind of action he takes. Now is a good time to take the initiative and come up
with a good plan of action that keeps you focused and moving forward. If you
are starting a new enterprise or making exciting changes in your life, then use
the positive qualities of the King of Wands to help you in your quest to reach
your goals.

You will achieve a great deal if you are able to take care of your everyday
business in a sensible and businesslike way. If you lead with honesty and
morality others will feel that they can trust and depend on you, as well as
motivate them. You may be able to negotiate and put over your point of view,
however it is important that you take the time to listen to other people’s views
that are different from yours.

The King of Wands can also represent a man in your life whose feet are firmly
on the ground, who has a strong character and makes good company with his
good sense of humour. This man may have some good advice to offer you, or
may offer you a business opportunity, a promotion at work, or a new career.
This man can also represent your father or husband, or a generous and
mature man that you can lean on and trust when you need him.

As a situation, it will be one where you need to show the courage, strength
and morality to build something strong, secure and long lasting in your life,
such as a marriage that involves settling a deal on a house, some financial

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agreement, business negotiation, or legacy. The King of Wands has meaning
for you at this time, be inspired and energized.

Negative
In a negative position the King of Wands can represent you or another man in
your life that has an unpleasant character. He is strict, intolerant, selfish, and
has narrow views. You are spending too much time thinking about working
towards his goals than actually getting on with it. Perhaps your resources are
being exhausted as a result of overexertion, temper, or over-stimulation of
your passions. In business he might be using you to better himself, therefore
he is not to be trusted. Do not make any wedding plans because this man
wants his freedom and is not ready to settle down yet. Maybe there is hostility
or domestic trouble due to aggressiveness, assertiveness or badly handled
emotions.

People
A father or father figure. The head of the family or head of a business. A man
with material and moral responsibilities. An entrepreneur with considerable
vision. An enthusiastic self-starter. Someone who is original and inventive.
Someone who can create an atmosphere of excitement. Someone who is a
natural leader. A mature man who is committed and loyal to his family and
partnership. Someone who is a good negotiator. Someone who inspires
others to become creative. An adventurous man who takes charge of many
projects.

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 Cups

Element: Water

Astrological Signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces

Season: Summer (June – July – August)

Key words and phrases: Emotions. Relationships. Partnerships. Family.

Sensitivity. Creativity. Feelings. Intuition. Romance. Matters of the heart.
Love.

The suit of Cups is similar to the Hearts in an ordinary pack of cards. It is

related to the water element and is a suit of emotions and sensitivity. Cups
are associated with relationships, feelings, love, romance and psychic insight.
This suit signifies the home, family, intuition, and the development of talent or
ideas. They are also associated with the zodiacal signs of Cancer, Scorpio
and Pisces.

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 Ace of Cups

Key words and phrases: New love. Pregnancy.

Childbirth. Harmony. Joy. Fertility. Longing for
affection. Happy events. Pleasure. Health. Spiritual
experiences.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a hand emerging from a white
cloud and holding a cup in its palm above a body of
water on which water lilies are floating. Five fountains
of water are pouring from the cup as a dove descends
into it carrying a communion wafer that is marked with an equilateral cross.

In Christian iconography, God is sometimes represented as a hand emerging

from a cloud. The open hand is a symbol of justice, power and creativity. The
right hand is the power hand, and as it seems to have appeared out of the
sky signifies that we have been specially chosen.

A cloud is a symbol of fertility, natural abundance, potential and revelation.

The white colour of the cloud symbolises innocence, purity, peace, happiness
and joy, and suggests that we have a desire for unity and wholeness and a
growing connection with the spiritual side of our nature.

The cup or chalice represents a vessel of plenty and immortality. In

Christianity the chalice is a ritual cup used at Eucharist, and in medieval
Europe, this cup was associated with the Holy Grail. The water element is
also associated with the chalice or cup, which symbolises intuition, the
emotions and healing in such matters as love, sex, relationships and children.
It suggests that we are receptive to intuitive information. The cup or chalice
represents our feminine side, therefore suggesting that if we are intuitively

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open to our feminine side we are then more able to both give and receive help
and assistance with love and sensitivity.

The body of water is a symbol of fertility, growth, creative potential, new life,
or healing. It signifies a stage of transition between the conscious and the
spiritual self, and represents an element of our emotions or psychic energy.
Water is a feminine symbol and represents our own femininity, whether we
are male or female, or represents our mother. It also signifies our potential
and our ability to create new life. A body of water can also indicate a
yearning for romance in our lives, or a new romance entering our lives.

Water lilies may symbolise the conscious ego or the self. They can also be a
sexual symbol, representing the vagina, and may symbolise creative power,
or the source of new life.

In older traditions the lily was associated with fertility and erotic love, and in
ancient Greece and Egypt it was a symbol of production, output and creation,
and especially associated with offspring.

The five fountains of water symbolise nurturing, fulfilment and attuning to

our inner self. They are a symbol of womanhood and relate to the emotions
and the subconscious mind. A fountain also signifies refreshment and new
life and may represent life-giving powers in our subconscious, or could be a
sexual symbol representing the penis. Five fountains represent our struggle
to come to terms with the particular demands and responsibilities of
controlling and balancing our own lives. It is the number for those of us who
have overcome the chaos and disorder that we had created in the first place,
in order to progress and get out of a dead-end situation.

The dove is a universal symbol of peace that originated from the story of
Noah when the floods started to recede. It is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit
descending to Earth in the form of a dove, as one of the three aspects of the

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nature of God, collectively known as the Trinity. It represents the anima, or the
feminine side of a man’s personality. A dove signifies peace after a troubled
situation, and can symbolise a stronger connection with the spiritual side of
our inner self. It also suggests happiness in love and relationships, including
sexual love.

The communion wafer relates to the Last Supper or the church service
known as the Eucharist. The Eucharist involves the sharing of bread and wine
that represents the flesh and blood of Christ, to symbolise the taking within of
Christ’s body, or the essence of him. It is a symbol of holy communion, or
the sharing of the power of God. It suggests that all of our power and energy
can be shared.

The equilateral cross has spiritual and esoteric associations and is

connected with healing and miraculous powers. It was said to have had the
power to ward off vampires and devils, but now it is associated with medicine
and nursing through the Red Cross charity. The cross signifies moving spirit
into substance, or the unified psyche, in other words, the bringing together of
the conscious and subconscious mind to become a whole. The three upper
arms are said to relate to the Holy Trinity, and the lower arm to the reunion
and understanding of opposites. The four arms of the cross suggest that we
have to go through torment, conflict and sorrow before we can reach
perfection.

On the whole, the Ace of Cups signifies new beginnings and the chance to
start anew on anything that has meaning for us. We are entering a successful
and productive period that is overflowing with possibilities. It is a time of
emotional fulfilment and very favourable for close relationships, and can
signify perfect harmony and love, and possibly marriage and motherhood.

The Ace of Cups can also represent the beginning of a creative desire that
comes from deep inside and leads to personal satisfaction or a recognised

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success. We may feel a sense of peace and gratitude for feeling blessed with
the ability to emotionally or spiritually connect with ourselves and with others.
However, we must first be a peace with ourselves before we can bring peace
and comfort to others. If we open our hearts to happiness and love on both a
personal and spiritual level it gives us a sense of connection with others,
which in turn will be reflected back to us. This card represents all that is open,
true, comforting and supportive in romantic, family, sexual, and business
relationships. This card also signifies new friendships and support from
colleagues.

The Ace of Wands is linked to the number one in numerology and the water
element in astrology, therefore the sections in this book on Tarot and
Numerology and Tarot and Astrology has more information associated with
the Ace of Cups.

Interpretation
When the Ace of Cups appears in a spread, it suggests that you have started
or about to start a new period in your life related to your emotions. This could
be the beginning of a new relationship with someone special and you are
ready to give your heart away, or it is an extremely loving and contented
phase in an existing one. There is a strong emotional quality regarding your
love life and the relationship you have with your family, friends and
colleagues. It is also a very productive phase for you at this time, which will
put you in a positive and happy frame of mind, and makes you feel grateful for
what you have managed to achieve. All things good are about to happen for
you, it could mean an engagement, marriage, babies, gifts or happy events.

In career matters, you may now be able to fulfil a project or venture that could
open the door for other opportunities and achievements. Perhaps you have
discovered that you have some creative talent and want to develop it more,
maybe through study or further education. You may also be ready to develop
or enhance your growing spiritual understanding, psychic abilities or intuition,

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and you are looking for ways to connect with the spiritual side of your nature.
Trust what your feelings or hunches are telling you, they usually are right. This
is a positive card therefore it is a good time for you to explore new avenues
and experiences.

Negative
When the Ace of Wands is in a negative position indicates that there is
unhappiness in your emotional life. Perhaps you feel that you are being taken
advantage of or being used, or feel that the relationship you are in with your
partner is one-sided. Perhaps your partner is only interested in sex and not
interested in a commitment. Maybe a love affair or romance is coming to an
end and your emotions are all over the place. You may be feeling lonely and
insecure because your love and affection is not being returned. Maybe you
are being too egotistical, self-centred, or too full of yourself. You need to know
when to say no if you feel that someone is messing with your feelings or
things are going in the wrong direction, and go forward with determination.
Accept help from others if you need it.

People
Those who are sincere, loving and devoted to their loved ones. Those who
are filled with goodwill and good intentions. Those who need to love and be
loved. Those who can be relied upon. Those with remarkable intuition. Those
who are good at forming long-lasting partnerships. Those who are good at
building a home. Those who have a caring nature. Lovers. Those with psychic
abilities. Those who may be artistically creative. Those who can be moody.
Those who are sensitive and do not take kindly to criticism. Those who have
been let down and rejected. Those who are grieving or mourning.

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 Two of Cups

Key words and phrases: A passionate love affair.

Early stages of a relationship. An emotional choice to
be made. Communion. Sentimental disagreement.
Satisfying love. Harmony. A union. Cooperation.
Partnership. A balanced relationship. Understanding.
A contract or binding agreement. Finding someone to
share your life with. Getting together with someone.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck, this card depicts a man and a
woman each holding a cup in their hands. Their expression and posture
indicates a pledge of love as the man reaches for the woman. Above the
couple is the caduceus of Hermes, which is depicted with a lion’s head
between the wings.

A pledge of love is an indication of how we feel about our relationship and

signifies a desire for a commitment to it. We are always looking for someone
who can compliment us and supply the qualities that we feel is lacking in us. It
is the realisation of the close connections between our bodies, emotions, mind
and spirit that gives us the indication for potential growth by uniting our
particular qualities, which need to come together to create a better whole.

The caduceus was the magic wand with wings and entwined serpents and
was carried by Hermes. It was said to have transformative power to change
male to female and vice versa. The caduceus symbolises the mediation
between opposing forces, but has now been interpreted as an emblem for
homeopathic medicine and healing. The whole symbolism of this depiction of
the caduceus is that the lion’s head between the wings means that the lion,
even with all of his strength and courage, has become part spiritual and part
physical, therefore it indicates that we have achieved a balance between
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spiritual and physical love. The two entwining snakes on the caduceus reflect
both the positive and negative qualities of love.

Hermes was the Greek herald and messenger of the gods, and depicted as
wearing a winged hat and sandals and carrying the caduceus, his magic
wand. He was also the god of art, commerce, eloquence, fertility, games, luck,
roads, thieves, tricksters and wisdom. Hermes was credited with the invention
of fire, making the lyre from the shell of a tortoise, inventing the shepherd’s
pipe, astronomy, musical scales and measures.

On the whole the Two of Cups usually signifies the beginning of a new close
relationship. It often appears when we are thinking about our relationship with
someone and wondering whether it is going to develop into a balanced,
harmonious and loving partnership. The Two of Cups can signify an
engagement, a marriage, or a love affair, but also issues relating to business
matters with friends, a financial agreement, a new home or the signing of
contracts. Whatever the situation, there will need to be some input of effort
and cooperation.

If there has been any conflict we will have to put our differences aside and
concentrate on what needs to be brought together, whether it is our
relationships with others, our home, our business matters, or our financial
arrangements. However, this card does suggest reconciliation, so we are able
to forge ahead to achieve this.

This card suggests that we are going in the right direction but should not
become complacent. We should keep on our toes to make sure that
everything is able to run smoothly. As cups are linked with fertility, this card
can also signify a pregnancy or a birth that will result in a very strong bond
between the parent and child.

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This card is related to the number two in numerology therefore, if any other
information is required please refer to the section on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Two of Cups appears in a spread indicates that you are about to
enter into some kind of happy relationship. If you are about to start a new
romantic attachment or establishing a business partnership with a friend, you
will know that this bond can be trusted. If you are in an existing relationship it
is a deeply loving phase in which you are completely supportive of each other.
All of this can be interpreted as an engagement, marriage, pregnancy, a birth
of a child, a mutual agreement of cooperation, or the condition of harmony
and balance in which you both live.

If there has been any conflict within your relationship because of

disagreements, arguments or a separation, this card is telling you that if you
are both willing to put the past behind you, and settle your differences, a
reconciliation is possible, and peace and harmony can be restored. You both
need to respect the contributions that each of you put into the relationship. No
matter what you are feeling at the moment, you will soon experience
happiness, harmony, balance and love with someone, and you will have
mutual support, understanding, the sharing of positive ideas and friendship.

Negative
When the Two of Wands is in a negative position it suggests that there could
be a separation or you are growing further apart, within either your personal or
business partnership, because of difficulties, disagreements,
misunderstandings or arguments. Actually, this card is telling you not to go in
that direction because neither of you want it to end this way, so try to work it
out by listening and trying to understand why you are both hurting.

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People
Those about to make a connection with someone. Those who make an
agreement or an alliance. Those who are about to enter into a partnership.
Those who are about to make a commitment to a relationship. Those who
have a desire for harmony, peace, pleasure and comfort. Those who are in
love. Those who are about to become engaged or married. Those who are
starting a family. Those who are about to enter a business partnership. Those
who will not make any kind of compromise. Those who have emotionally
broken away from others.

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 Three of Cups

Key words and phrases: Loving and supportive

friends. Invitation. A party in store. Celebration. Good
luck. Good fortune. New encounter. Uniting with
others. Pleasant relationships. Happiness. Love and
pleasure ahead. Family gatherings. Artistic ability.
Start of a new lifestyle. Marriage. Birth.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts three female figures standing
in a garden of fruit and other produce while raising
their cups in a toast or celebration.

A garden is a symbol of the feminine and indicates the potential growth that
we are trying to cultivate in our lives. It suggests a need for more growth,
creativity and beauty in our lives. Gardens are also associated with love,
sensual pleasure and seduction.

Fruit and other produce are associated with fertility and readiness, and a
concern with nourishment, abundance and fullness. They suggest that we are
being offered a new life, new kinds of fulfilment or refreshment.

The toast or celebration depicted in this card signifies achievement and

recognition, and suggests that a tribute, salutation, a drink to the health of, or
a pledge is about to be made, either to ourselves or to those who are near
and dear to us. It also signifies a time when we are able to relax and unwind,
and where we will have a release of tension and inhibitions.

On the whole the Three of Cups represents tremendous joy and happiness. It
is about celebrating our happiness, love and success, and the future
commitment we are ready to make within a relationship, venture or creative
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project. However, it usually signifies that the courting or nurturing stage of a
relationship has now been completed and we are now ready to take it to a
different level. Nevertheless, the Three of Cups also signifies that before we
will be able to feel that our relationship is solid and steadfast we still have a lot
more work to do.

It indicates success, fulfilment and new opportunities ahead of us, and

problems will finally be resolved. The Three of Cups relates to a celebration,
event or party that we are feeling happy and joyous about. This could be an
engagement party, a wedding celebration, the birth of a child, or a toast to a
successful business enterprise. It is a card of growth and expression, and
suggests that we may also be developing spiritually or exhibiting creative
expression in music or artistic projects.

This card relates to the number three in numerology therefore, for other
information associated with the Three of Cups refer to the section on Tarot
and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Three of Cups appears in a spread you are ready to create a way to
share your love, abundance and happiness. You may feel like celebrating the
rewards of your past efforts, or be happy and excited because you are starting
on a new creative phase that you know will be emotionally fulfilling and
resolve any past difficulties.

Close personal relationships may take a different direction and you might
decide that the time is right to get married to your partner or, you are ready to
have a baby because you feel optimistic about the future with your loved
ones. You may find yourself surrounded by many loving and supportive
friends, with whom you are able to have lots of social occasions, fun and
laughter. The Three of Cups can also suggest that you may have a creative or
artistic hobby that might be worth developing. If you have been ill this card

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promises renewed health and recovery. Big improvements will be made due
to your decisive actions and any past difficulties will end. Enjoy the
celebrations.

Negative
When in a negative position the Three of Cups suggests a separation, divorce
or a romance does not work out. Maybe either one of you has been unfaithful,
or perhaps the relationship has lost its sparkle. You may be feeling discontent
and bored, or suffering from depression that is leading you to overindulge in
food or drink due to a lack of emotional fulfilment. Dwelling on the past and
self-pity is painful, destructive and wastes your time and energy. Be careful of
overspending on fun, entertainment and credit it could lead to the debtors
knocking on your door. Also remember that excessive sex and promiscuity
can lead to sexual health problems and harm your welfare and reputation.

People
Those who like to party and have fun with friends. Those who may have
something to celebrate. Socialites. Those who are starting on a new creative
phase. Musicians. Artists. Those who are entering into a personal or business
partnership. Those who share their ideas, plans, happiness and love. Those
who occupy themselves with a hobby. Those who love to entertain or work in
the entertainment or leisure business.

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 Four of Cups

Key words and phrases: Boredom. Feeling trapped.

Discontented. In a rut. Depression. Life is dull. Weary.
Lacking motivation. Concentrating on your own
feelings. Losing interest. Ignoring help. Dissatisfied.
Withdrawing from involvement. Contemplating.
Making no effort. Something is missing.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a young man sitting under a
tree with his arms folded and staring at three cups that
are in front of him. To his right, a hand appears from a cloud to offer him
another cup but from his posture and expression he is discontented and not
ready to accept the offer.

The posture of this young man suggests that we are feeling in a rut or
trapped by outside circumstances or by something or someone who is trying
to have a hold on us. It may signify that we need outside help to free
ourselves of our train of thought and behaviour. His posture also signifies
stagnation, boredom and discontentment, and suggests that we are holding
ourselves back and need to get into a more positive frame of mind in order to
move on. However, as the man is depicted alone on this card suggests that
we do have a degree of self-sufficiency.

Trees are a symbol of life and creation. They signify steady growth, age,
experience, time and continuity. A tree also represents aspects of ourselves,
for example the trunk is our growth and attitudes towards life, the branches
represent the different aspects of our lives, and the roots represent our
foundation or base. It may be suggesting that we need to create a firm base in
order to grow and thrive. The roots also symbolise the provision of wisdom

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from the collective experience, and may indicate how we feel about our own
roots.

The hand appearing from the cloud symbolises power and creativity. The
right hand is the “power” hand and suggests that we have been specially
chosen, and something may be “close at hand.” In this card the hand is
trying to offer the man help and sustenance but unfortunately he declines it.

The cloud is a symbol of fertility, abundance and revelation. However, in this

case its association is with gloom, depression and obscurity, and suggests
that we need to take our current situation seriously and try to work it out.

On the whole, the Four of Cups depicts that we have become bored and
apathetic because nothing exciting seems to be happening in our lives. The
opportunities are there to enable us to rise above our present state, but our
lack of action and motivation stops us from climbing out of this rut. We have
started to doubt our abilities and become hesitant, but if we do not summon
up our strength and energy we will never break free from our lethargy.

However, the Four of Cups signifies that we seem to have everything we

need, but maybe feel that something is missing in our life, and now we are
contemplating on doing something different to bring some vitality back into it.
There is nothing wrong in devoting time to focus on ourselves as long as we
develop it into something positive, while at the same time remembering those
who have sustained us along the way.

This card is related to the number four in numerology therefore, other

information can be found in the section on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
The appearance of the Four of Cups suggests that you need to find a new
way of dealing with the aspects of your life that are making you feel

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discontented, and reassess your position or situation. Even though you seem
to have everything you need, you feel that there is something missing in your
life and you have become disillusioned with your circumstances. Emotionally
you have become stagnated and bored and want to inject more variety into
your life. Maybe you are tired and dissatisfied, either with yourself,
relationships, friendships or colleagues. Perhaps you are feeling resentful
because someone has insulted or hurt you, or maybe you feel unloved or are
simply fed up with the tedium of doing the same tasks day after day. As a
result you feel let down because your expectations have not been fulfilled,
therefore you are now contemplating a change. However, the Four of Cups
does suggest that you should take time out to look at the bigger picture and
reflect on whatever you are unhappy about and the choices that you need to
make, rather than suddenly packing your bags and moving on. Do not allow
your future to be clouded with regret from the action you took at this time.

Negative
In a negative aspect the Four of Cups signifies that after all of the pain and
struggle, there is something to look forward to. Things are taking a turn for the
better and an unhappy time is coming to an end. You may have the chance to
get back together with your partner or lover and work things out. You may find
that through socialising you have more friends than you realised. If you are
self-employed an increase in business is imminent, or if you are looking for
work, an offer of employment is on the horizon. You are going to pull yourself
together and clean up your act.

People
Those who feel disillusioned with their life. Those who are withdrawing from
involvement. Those who are lacking motivation. Those who find it hard to
show their feelings or affection.

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 Five of Cups

Key words and phrases: Despair. Sorrow. Regret.

Sadness. Loss. Emotional time. Marital or family
problems. Crisis. Disillusionment. Betrayal. Bitterness.
End of a relationship, friendship, marriage or work.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a figure wearing a black cloak.
In front of the figure three cups have fell over spilling
their contents, and two cups behind the figure are left
standing. In the distance a bridge spans over a river
leading to a dwelling-place.

The black cloak on this card symbolises despair or deep depression, but also
physical, emotional or spiritual protection. It is suggesting that we have lost
sight of our direction in life possibly due to some kind of deprivation or loss,
and feel that we do not have the will or the energy to do anything about it. Part
of our life has died and we must learn to manage or survive without it.

The spilt cups signify that there is disappointment and regret for what we
have lost, but the standing cups signify that something of value still remains.
Therefore, when we have finished with our grieving, we need to realise that all
is not lost and we still have something to work towards.

The bridge symbolises a transition between one stage of life and another. It is
also a symbol of the connection between the ordinary and spiritual aspects of
ourselves. A bridge is also a symbol of the connection between the conscious
and the spiritual aspects of ourselves.

The river symbolises the flow of our emotions. In this card, the strength of the
flow of the river is asking us whether we are letting our emotions flow easily
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and allowing them to be expressed fully and in a healthy way, or are we
becoming aggressive and scary? Do we go with the flow or swim against the
current?

The dwelling-place symbolises the building where our life and soul lies, and
represents the different elements within our psyche. The fear of losing our
dwelling-place is akin to feeling that parts of ourselves have been lost. This
loss hurts because our emotions are resistant to change.

On the whole, the Five of Cups signifies disappointment and regret, which is
symbolised by the spilt cups, which is probably relating to a relationship.
However, the cups that are standing indicate that we still have something
positive remaining for us to build upon for the future. It represents change and
uncertainty, and the need to see what can be retrieved from the relationship
or situation. Although there is loss there is hope, because the opportunities
are there for us to recover and move forward, once we have overcome our
grief and regret.

This card is related to the number five in numerology therefore, for information
related to the Five of Cups refer to the section on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Five of Cups appears in a spread it may signify that you are
grieving or regretting some kind of loss. Maybe a relationship with either your
partner, a friend, a business partner or venture has gone sour and has led to
a separation or collapse. This may be due to difficulties in your marriage,
relationship or some other important or significant aspect of your life. Perhaps
you are weary of feeling that you are putting in a lot of hard work and seem to
be getting nowhere, which is making you unhappy and discontented. You
have become emotionally exhausted and confused. It seems that you cannot
put it out of your mind, and you are unable to understand where it all went
wrong. However, you need to realise that all is not lost because something of

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value has been gained, which is your experience of the loss. If you keep on
trying to hold on to what has gone from your life the suffering will destroy you.
It is important that you do not dwell on the past and drown yourself in self-pity.
You will always have hope, and the opportunity will come to build a better
future for yourself. Something will replace or change the emptiness and hurt
you are feeling at this time.

Negative
When in a negative position, the Five of Cups can suggest a happy meeting
with an old friend or loved one. Your sense of loss is easing and you are
putting the past behind you. It is a time for healing the rifts and you now have
the courage to face up to reality. There are better times ahead and your
wishes may come true. Perhaps you are considering a new job or maybe
looking for a new house, or at the least making a commitment to something.

People
Those who are breaking away from a relationship. Those who are crying over
spilt milk. Those who feel that they have made the wrong choice. Those who
are grieving. Those who are experiencing a setback. Those who are
acknowledging their mistakes. Those who feel bitter and resentful.

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 Six of Cups

Key words and phrases: The past. Nostalgia.

Memories. Childhood. Times passed by. A lover from
the past. Home and family. Renewing old ties.
Sentimental.

Symbolic Meaning
In the Waite deck, the Six of Cups depicts a young
boy and girl standing in a village square. The boy
seems to be offering the girl one of the six flower-filled
cups and she looks up and smiles at him.

The young boy and girl may signify memories of earlier and happier times
that we wish we could return to. It may be a time in the past when life seemed
more simple and straightforward. They can also signify that we are trying to
apologise, change something we did, or straighten things out in order to free
our feelings of guilt for the mistakes we made in the past.

The village signifies the need to belong to something. It is very hard to keep
secrets in a village because it is small and has a close-knit community.
Therefore, this can indicate that we wish we could be more open with each
other, have that closeness, and be able trust those around us as we were
able to do in the past.

Flowers symbolise harmony, love and friendship, and feelings of pleasure

and beauty. They can signify that our inner self is blossoming and there is
freshness to what we are doing. The flowers on this card have their petals
open indicating new horizons and opportunities that will lead to fulfilment.
Offering the flowers as a gift signifies that we are willing to give ourselves
emotionally to others. Receiving the flowers suggests that something good is
coming our way from an unexpected source, and can also mean that we are
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opening up emotionally and spiritually, and more aware of ourselves and our
purpose in life.

On the whole, the Six of Cups signifies that we want to leave the past behind
us and move forward into the future armed with all of our past experience. It is
the beginning of a new phase in our life and we might well dwell on the past
with fond memories of the experiences we have had, but we now need to let
go and move on because if we do not then our future could become severely
harmed. The Six of Cups also suggests that there are new opportunities being
offered to us, so we need to think about what action we are going to take.
Faces from the past may appear to offer new opportunities, or old skills may
prove valuable.

This card relates to the number six in numerology therefore, more information
can be found in the section on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Six of Cups appears in a spread it suggests that you may be
reminiscing too much on happier times relating to your past, instead of
concentrating on what needs to be done to move on into the future. Perhaps
you are thinking of returning to a place where you once lived that was filled
with good times and happiness, or in the hope of making contact with the
people you was once acquainted with. A past lover may reappear into your life
or an old friendship could be renewed. Maybe a past employer who valued
your unique skills offers you work, or you start to reap the rewards from the
creative talents that you have acquired over the past years.

The Six of Cups can also suggest that you are trying to resolve the mistakes
you made in the past, or the difficulties that you are now in that stem from
past errors. Do not fall into the same old habits, patterns, and past mistakes
that caused disappointment or frustration earlier in your life, accept what you

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have now but incorporate the experience you have gained and the positive
elements of your past.

Negative
In a negative position the Six of Cups signifies that it is time to put the past
behind you and start to live in the present. Beliefs, values and feelings that
were firmly ingrained into you from your family or other relationships as you
was growing up maybe stopping you from pursuing new goals or making
progress. The past is holding you back in some way and it is time to free
yourself from the chains that are restraining you, and move forward. A ghost
from the past may come back to haunt you. Perhaps family ties are holding
you back because you now have to look after a member of your family due to
illness or old age. You may be preoccupied with worries concerning children,
which is taking up a lot of your time. It is time to negotiate with others about
your commitments or worries in order for you to escape from the situations or
relationships that are stifling you.

People
Those who have connections with our past. Those who are kind and
charitable. Those who live in the past. Past lovers. Those who give support.
Those who do not always live in the real world. Those who are loving, caring
and nurturing.

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 Seven of Cups

Key words and phrases: Illusion. Not thinking

clearly. Overactive imagination. A mystical
experience. A difficult choice. Creative imagination
and inspiration. Dreaming instead of acting. Confused.
A need to focus and concentrate. Positive
visualisation. Undecided. Too many options. Irrational
thought.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a figure of a man with his
back turned seemingly in awe of the vision in front of him. It looks like the man
has to make a choice from the options available in the cups that are floating
on the clouds. The options on offer are a woman, a snake, a castle, a cluster
of jewels, a laurel wreath, a dragon, and a mysterious shrouded figure.

Visions or fantasies are symbols in our imagination appearing as images for

our hopes and desires, irrational fears, or the tricksters we may encounter
during our lives. They suggest that we may be facing a challenging situation
where nothing can be taken for granted or a time where we need to confront
our fears and demons. Visions and fantasies can also signify our ability to
possibly go beyond the dull or routine reality of our everyday lives.

Clouds can signify a lack of clarity, judgement or view of a situation, or can

represent an inspiring connection with the spiritual side of our nature. Clouds
can also signify that someone is overshadowing us, or something is casting
gloom over a situation.

The woman on the card may for a man symbolise sexual desire or the
feminine side of his personality. She could either be friendly or threatening,
signifying that she could either be making him aware of the inactive anima
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(feminine) aspects of his personality, or a dangerous and seductive siren
trying to lead him astray. A woman can represent our mother and the
influence she has over us, and whether we pay attention to what she has to
say, it may suggest that it is time to free ourselves from our mother’s apron
strings and secure our own identity. A woman also indicates that we may
need to go with our own intuition and be aware of our feelings.

The snake represents uncontrolled passion and suggests temptation, but also
signifies our search for the spiritual. According to Jung, snakes symbolise all
that is totally subconscious and instinctive, which can come into conflict with
conscious attitudes. However, the subconscious and instinct borders on
supernatural and unique wisdom, therefore the snake can symbolise both evil
and wisdom that overrides human morality. It warns of disloyalty, trickery and
evil.

The castle symbolises our wish for power, security, authority and protection,
and to escape from the humdrum routine of everyday life. However in this
case, the castle is in the air surrounded by clouds, suggesting that we should
come back down to reality and stop fantasizing.

The jewels are a symbol of purity, refinement and superiority. In Eastern

traditions they embody spiritual knowledge. Jewels indicate that we value
what is precious in our lives, probably as a result of what we have achieved
through our hard work.

The laurel wreath was a symbol of truce, victory, peace, divination and
purification. Through its association with Apollo the laurel leaves were the
crowning symbol of the Greco-Roman world for both warriors and poets. It
suggests that we may be dreaming of a position of grandeur or high rank for
ourselves.

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However, there seems to be a skull on the cup that is holding the laurel
wreath suggesting that we need to be aware and recognise the structure that
we have given to our lives. A skull can also indicate that we need to be aware
of putting ourselves into a dangerous situation.

The dragon can represent sexual energy and a sense of personal

empowerment. We might think they are frightening creatures, which may
suggest that we are worried about the intensity of our emotions, or we are
being forced to face our fears head-on. Perhaps we think they are wonderful
creatures with great wisdom and powers and can take us to places we can
only dream of. In short, a dragon is a creature that will empower us or a
monster that threatens to destroy us.

The shrouded figure may represent the spiritual potential that we have not
yet recognised, or the dark or shadow side of ourselves that we do not want to
face. Perhaps old memories or emotions have come back to haunt us. A
shrouded figure can also symbolise unfinished business and uncertainty due
to a lack of clarity of who we are, what we are doing in our lives, or to the
solution to a problem.

On the whole, the Seven of Cups indicates that we should be careful with the
choices we make because they may not live up to our expectations. We are
being offered several opportunities but some of them will seem too good to be
true and should be closely examined. However, at least one of them should
prove to be worthwhile and live up to its promise. We cannot have everything
we wish for, so we need to stop daydreaming and come back down to reality,
and decide what really matters.

We will need to use our intuition, take positive action and put in the effort in
order to create the circumstances we desire in our lives. There is confusion at
the moment but something positive could develop once the clouds have gone.
Our experiences in life strengthen our character and make us wiser, and

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daydreaming of what we want from life wastes too much time. Success does
not just drop on our laps it has to be worked towards.

This card relates to the number seven in numerology therefore, for any
information associated with the Seven of Cups refer to the section on Tarot
and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Seven of Cups appears it indicates that decisions need to be made
regarding your circumstances. There are many options and possibilities open
to you, but you will have to weigh matters carefully and focus on what you
really need to achieve. However, you are finding it hard to make a clear
decision because you are being distracted by your dreams. It is important to
use your intuition and try to separate which dream could be made a reality
and worth pursuing, and which is just fantasy, then do what you have to do.
Look very carefully at the options that are on offer and narrow them down to a
goal that is possible to achieve. This is also a good time for creative pursuits,
maybe you have the opportunity to express some artistic talent that could
bring fulfilment to your life.

Negative
When the Seven of Cups appears in a negative position, be careful of
overindulging in drink or drugs. You are dreaming of future achievement but
not doing anything about it. You are lost in a fantasy world where your
attention flows from one daydream to another. Perhaps your emotions are up
in the air, maybe because of some relationship, and you feel that you have
been deceived or misled in some way. You need to put things into perspective
and take a good look at reality. Wake up from your dreams and focus on your
goals, then take positive action and work towards achieving them.

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People
Those who are faced with an array of choices. Those who lack focus and
commitment. Those who let their imagination run wild. Those who are building
castles in the air. Those who get to pick and choose. Those who are filled with
confusion. Dreamers. Those who are creative. Those who overindulge in
food, drink, drugs or parties. Artists.

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 Eight of Cups

Key words and phrases: Moving on. A turning point.

Walking away. Leaving the past behind.
Disappointment. An emotional phase. Turning your
back on a situation. Breaking up. Soul-searching.
Tension or conflict in your emotional life. Relocating. A
job change.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a man walking away from
eight stacked cups. No matter what they mean to him,
he has decided to turn his back on them and with his staff in hand he is
heading towards a distant mountain range. The moon illustrated on this card
is strangely depicted as full and waning at the same time.

Turning our back and walking away signifies that we are trying to reject the
emotional feelings we have experienced or the situation we were in. It
suggests that we feel overwhelmed or maybe even contempt or disapproval,
and therefore need some space.

The staff signifies that we recognise our need for extra strength, courage,
support and assistance, and indicates that we may have to ask for help in
order to make progress and get through the difficult situation we are
experiencing at this present time.

The mountain range symbolises the challenges, obstacles and goals that we
need to overcome. They can represent our current perspective on life,
approaching the mountains signifies the challenges we have yet to
encounter, but they can also indicate that we are rising above the common
pursuits of everyday life and going in search of our true self or even the
meaning of life.
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The moon represents the emotional and feminine aspect of our personality. It
is concerned with our inner emotions, reactions, responses and habitual
behaviour. It represents mothers or mother figures in our lives, also the home,
security and the care of those who need us. The moon is connected to the
imagination, intuition, psychic powers and dreaming, and is particularly
associated with women, fertility and birth. It is a great reflector and embodies
qualities of receptivity that influences our intuition and feelings. The moon
suggests that we listen to our intuition and try to tap into the emotional ebb
and flow of our feelings. The full moon represents the fullness of the female
energy, symbolises fruition and success, and echoes the symbolism of the
circle, signifying wholeness. The waning moon signifies a time for decreasing
and for letting go of things, and warns us to take more notice and care of our
energy levels.

On the whole, the Eight of Cups is asking us to let go of something that is not
working. An emotional situation has come to an end and it is time to move on.
We are in the process of rejecting someone or something that we once held
dear to us and may feel hurt and disappointed with the way it has turned out.
However, we may now realise it is the right time to move away and hope we
can find the missing element that has eluded our life in order to bring
something meaningful back into it. Change is necessary when life has
become uncomfortable, and the time has come to assess our situation and
take a different direction. We are starting a new phase or solitary journey of
our own choosing to experience other things. What was true is not anymore,
and we now conclusively know that the past has gone.

This card is related to the number eight in numerology therefore, refer to the
section on Tarot and Numerology for more information associated with the
Eight of Cups.

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Interpretation
When the Eight of Cups appears it signifies the end of an unsatisfactory
situation and the beginning of something new. Your relationship or love life
may be going through a disappointing emotional phase, which has left you
feeling depressed and disillusioned. Perhaps you are now doing some soul-
searching and maybe thinking of breaking up and doing something different.

Sometimes this card relates to a project that did not work out as much as you
thought it would, or the success you did have with it seems hollow and
worthless, therefore you are moving on to something else. Even though it can
be painful it is important to let go of something that is not working, and
perhaps if you do not walk away and try something new no further progress
will be possible in your life. The Eight of Cups promises that changes will be
beneficial, and even though you know that you still have to abandon a
hopeless situation, a new relationship or project could be waiting for you to
introduce yourself. This card also suggests travel or a change of residence.

Negative
When the Eight of Cups appears in a negative position you may realise that
your current cycle has ended and there is nothing more you can do or say.
Perhaps you are ready to walk away and start something new. At the
moment, as far as you are concerned fun and celebrations are in order. You
are starting on a journey of discovery, however make sure that you focus on
what is important to you. Maybe you will even devote more time to your
spiritual side in order to find the answers that can help you along your journey.

People
Those who realise that they need to bring a positive change to their
relationship, love life or work. Those who are reassessing their lives and
priorities. Those who are walking away from a situation. Those who are
looking for answers. Those who are feeling tired and weighed down by
worries.

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 Nine of Cups

Key words and phrases: Satisfaction. Contentment.

Esteem. Deep, stable, serene and harmonious
feelings. Financial wellbeing. Physical wellbeing.
Material success. A dream come true. Sensual
pleasures. A wished for marriage. Security. Happy
relationships and love life. Respect. Wishes fulfilled.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a stout man with his arms
folded and sitting smugly on a stool in front of nine
cups that are arranged neatly on a shelf behind him like a row of trophies.

The cups or trophies are the reason the man is sitting smugly. They signify
achievement and recognition, and indicate that we may soon be rewarded or
acknowledged for our accomplishments. A trophy suggests that we are proud
of our achievements and it lets us know that we are worthwhile and
successful. Trophies can also increase our self-esteem and can represent
the fulfilment of a wish.

On the whole the Nine of Cups suggests contentment, material success,

physical health and a liking for sensual pleasures. It is known as the wish
card, and signifies that something we have been wishing and working hard for
is about to come true. An emotional and creative success has been attained
and true happiness is finally realised. This could be the fulfilment of a dream
or the one person we have been waiting for to share our lives. Love runs
smoothly with our partner, family and friends, our creative endeavours have
obtained the results we had hoped for, and life is easier and much more
relaxed.

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This card relates to the number nine in numerology therefore, more
information can be found in the section on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Nine of Cups appears it suggests that your wishes will come true.
This is a time of personal contentment on a physical, emotional and material
level. You have obtained your goals and achieved what you desire. Maybe
you are about to make a commitment to your partner or even get married, or it
could be that your love life has just become a little more hectic. Perhaps you
are over the moon about becoming pregnant and cannot wait to organise
everything you need for the baby. A creative project may have been
successful and now you are reaping the rewards. Whatever your situation you
can feel confident, contented and pleased with yourself.

Negative
When in a negative position, there is a danger of becoming lazy and careless.
Perhaps you feel that you are being taken for granted or being used by
others. Things are not living up to your expectations, which may have led you
to overindulge on food, drink or drugs, that may have started as an emotional
comforter. Maybe you are frightened of losing everything you have put into a
relationship or project, and at the moment you are even finding it hard to put a
smile on your face. Do not let fear or the need for comfort to force you to
exceed your resources or participate in unhealthy behaviour. Learn to
moderate.

People
Those who obtain their goal. Those who have their dream come true. Those
who get the results they had hoped for. Those who are able to relax. Those
who appreciate the arts. Those who feel content with their life. Those who
indulge in sensual pleasures. Those who are feeling a little smug. Those who
get their wish. Those who are experiencing luxury. Those who are enjoying
themselves.

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 Ten of Cups

Key words and phrases: Contentment. Happiness. A

happy family life. Fulfilment in love life. Returned
feelings. Compatibility. Peace. Love. Marital bliss.
Family bliss. Home. Respect from your neighbours.
Getting together with family and friends. Security.
Emotionally complete.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a man and a woman in an
embrace and looking up in awe at the ten cups that
are forming a rainbow above them. Nearby their two children are happily
playing and dancing seemingly unaware of this beautiful vision. Their family
home can be seen situated on a hill in the distance.

The rainbow has been associated with healing and good fortune, fertility and
childbirth, dreams and mythical realms. It symbolises hope and peace after a
difficult time, and indicates better things ahead. A rainbow suggests that we
now have the opportunity to find what we have been wishing for.

The children on this card may represent a new beginning, attitude or balance
to the settlement of conflicting influences. They can also suggest that we may
need to connect with the innocent, playful aspect of ourselves.

Playing suggests that we need to rid ourselves of our usual approach to a

situation and stop taking things too seriously, instead be a little more light-
hearted and have some fun. When we are playing well, as indicated on this
card, suggests that we are able to cope well with the circumstances in our
lives.

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Dancing signifies the need to express ourselves more flowingly, and prompts
us to take a look at what makes us happy in our lives. Dancing with others
signifies that we have a feeling of belonging and have been able to integrate
aspects of ourselves. Spiritually it signifies the rhythm of life and the freedom
of spirit.

The family home symbolises warmth, shelter and sustenance. The home
can be the centre of our lives and our hearts, and makes us feel secure and
relaxed after the hustle and bustle of the outside world. They can be filled with
great memories and nostalgia, maybe of times from our childhood or certain
events that happened there in the past.

On the whole the Ten of Cups represents joy and happiness in all
relationships. We feel secure now that we have attained what we set out to
accomplish. Success and lasting happiness has been achieved through the
hard work and effort we have implemented. An apex has been reached in our
personal relationships and we are now experiencing harmony and integration
in all aspects of our lives. We have not only attained material success and
emotional security but also spiritual accordance and satisfaction. However, we
still have to put in the effort in order to flourish and keep our relationships
growing. Our personal hopes and dreams have come true.

This card relates to the number ten in numerology therefore, for other
information associated with the Ten of Cups refer to the section on Tarot and
Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Ten of Cups appears in a spread it means that you have achieved
something that brings you lasting success and happiness. There is a deep
sense of wellbeing and a harmonious love life. You are very much in love,
feelings are sincere between you both, and the relationship is based on a
strong mutual trust. Stress and tension has disappeared from your life and

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you have created a happy and comfortable home life. If you are not attached
at the moment a sudden flirtation or love affair may be about to enter your life.
The Ten of Cups also suggests that a birth is possible. Your hard work has
enabled you to achieve financial security and comfort, and your ability has
earned you the recognition and respect you deserve.

Negative
When the Ten of Cups appears in a spread it indicates that there may be
stress due to disruption in the home. Perhaps there are arguments or
differences of opinion with members of the family. Maybe a member of the
family is leaving home and you are finding it hard to let go, or you may have to
move from your home. It can also suggest that you or someone else is having
problems achieving their goals. Try to resolve any problems in order to restore
peace and harmony.

People
Those who have a sense of wellbeing. Those who radiate love. Those who
are experiencing peace and harmony. Those who are feeling content and at
ease. Those who have a bond with family members. A happy family. Those
who are very much in love and have sincere feelings.

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 Page of Cups

Key words and phrases: Invitation. Token of

affection. Love. New friendship. Going on a date.
Meeting someone new. A new phase in a relationship.
News of a birth, engagement or marriage. Proposition.
Artistic temperament. Creative imagination. Studious.
Intuitive. Passionate. Talented.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts the young Page dressed in
fine quality clothes. The Page is standing on the
seashore holding a cup in his right hand that contains a fish he has just
caught from the rolling waves of the sea.

The seashore is where two different worlds meet, and can symbolise the
coming together of our conscious and subconscious minds. We are being
invited to make a connection.

The fish is a symbol of fertility, sexual happiness and personal growth. Fish
are connected to our emotions, and represent how we deal with them. Do we
go with the tide or do we try to cope on our own? We all have wisdom,
awareness and knowledge of our own experiences, but the fish is telling us to
use our common sense and not wander off and nibble at the temptations that
are on offer without thinking about it first. Fishing can signify opportunities,
however a fish that has been caught can suggest some deep emotion that
has surfaced. It can indicate that we are on display and feel exposed, and
have nowhere to hide now that we are away from our environment or crowd,
or we feel that our freedom and natural expression has been cut short. They
can also signify a spiritual exploration to the depths of our subconscious mind.
The fish is a symbol that often appears in Christianity, and was used as a
secret symbol of association by the early Christians.
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The rolling waves signify the ups and downs of life or the positive and
negative aspects of our emotions.

On the whole the Page of Cups is associated with thoughts, dreams and
emotions. Traditionally, it is linked with good news, the birth of a child or the
start of a new project or job. This card represents possibilities or renewal on
an emotional level, especially if we have been going through a painful
experience. We may have been left feeling vulnerable and wary of our
relationships, and worry about whether we are going to meet or become close
with someone else ever again. However, the Page of Cups does suggest that
happy emotional news is on the way, so perhaps a new relationship is just
around the corner. It also suggests that a new creative idea or intuitive drive is
emerging that could lead to something special.

When the Page of Cups signifies a person they are young, sensitive, gentle
and loving. This person may be imaginative, thoughtful and a dreamer. The
Page of Cups is selfless and always willing to help or cooperate with others.
Sometimes it can describe a young person who is creative, intuitive or has a
spiritual leaning. It can also represent a child or youth that has imaginary fears
or nightmares, or may be melancholic and going through emotional difficulties.
However, these traits may manifest in us, therefore need to be carefully
nurtured.

The Page of Cups is linked to the zodiacal sign of Pisces. For any other
information associated with this card refer to the section on the Court Cards
and Astrology.

Interpretation
When the Page of Cups appears you are about to begin a new phase of
emotional growth that will help you to strengthen your self-esteem and build
up your trust in others. This is the birth of something new. You may discover
that you have a talent or skill that can prove to be beneficial or rewarding once

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you have developed it properly, or you may be about to embark on a new
course of study. These skills could be linked with your keen psychic or artistic
ability. You are starting to see things with fresh eyes and it is becoming easier
to overcome the obstacles that were drowning you in melancholy. You may
receive some good news regarding your love life, maybe a proposition, an
invitation, or a date, or you may start or renew a love affair. Be open to the
offers and take a chance, it may not be the greatest love story ever told, but
you will enjoy it.

It can also suggest that you may meet someone who will turn out to be a true
friend. There may soon be news of a happy event coming up, such as an
engagement, a wedding, the birth of a child, or some other happy emotional
event or news. Stay open to receiving help. Someone who is sensitive and
caring may come into your life. This person is young, and what is said may be
significant to you. Children may also play an important part in your life. Focus
on your emotional issues, receive guidance from within, and go with your gut
reaction.

Negative
When the Page of Cups is in a negative position you are inclined to live in a
fantasy world, which is stopping you taking advantage of opportunities that
may improve your circumstances. You may be having difficulties with a
sensitive child. Your lack of dedication and discipline may be causing
difficulties in your life. This may lead you to become overindulgent on food,
drink and drugs. Now is the time for you to knuckle down with your studies or
work. Do not allow your emotions to get the better of you.

People
Those who are sentimental or romantic. A lover. Those who start a love affair.
Those who care for others. Those who express sympathy and understanding.
A nurse. A doctor. A pharmacist. Hospital workers. Those who respond to
beauty. Those who let their feelings show. An artist. An actor. A photographer.

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Those who have psychic experiences. Those who receive guidance from
within. Those who reach out and touch someone. A medium. A psychic
investigator. Healers. Those who experience direct knowing. A teacher. A
student. A sensitive and affectionate child or youth. A young at heart adult. A
young friend.

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 Knight of Cups

Keywords and phrases: Idealistic feelings. Happy

changes in your love life. Invitations. A new love.
Secret love or relationship. Romance. New
experiences. A proposal. Promotion. Inspiration.
Following your dream. Opportunities. Artistic. Taking a
holiday with friends or loved one. Likes to party.
Pleasant, charming and seductive.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a Knight wearing shining
armour and a winged helmet as he rides gracefully on a white horse. He is
holding out a cup in his left hand as he gently approaches a stream and the
hills that are ahead of him.

The armour symbolises courage, protection, honour and strength. It signifies

chivalry and the need to protect or be protected, possibly from something we
feel is threatening us. It can suggest that we are being inflexible or stubborn
about moving into new situations. We may feel a need to protect our ideas,
ideals, or dreams from mockery or misunderstanding by others. Armour may
also signify efforts to protect ourselves against emotions that fill us with
anxiety.

The white horse describes our spiritual awareness and signifies increased
strength, stamina and virility. It indicates that it is time to “take the reins” and
assume control. Because of its speed, it can mean moving swiftly towards our
goal. A white horse is a symbol of light, life and spiritual illumination.

The winged helmet signifies flight, freedom and also protection. It suggests
that we are about to lift-off and become fully aware of our dreams. A winged
helmet also signifies spiritual energy and protection.
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The stream suggests that we are aware of the flow of our emotions. It
signifies peace and comfort or going with the flow of things or events. A
stream can also signify our potential and ability to create new life.

The hills suggest that we are facing an obstacle, and hoping that we will be
able to meet the challenge.

On the whole the Knight of Cups signifies that a busy and exciting time may
be about to begin. There may be news of opportunities or invitations that may
be favourable for the possibility of a new relationship. Romance is in the air
suggesting that we may meet someone who we fall in love with, or who
sweeps us off our feet with exciting emotional experiences. This could be in
the form of a proposal of some kind, or suddenly taking off on a holiday
abroad with a lover or friends. We may become engrossed in a creative or
artistic venture, or decide to develop our intuitive or psychic abilities. The
Knight of Cups is urging us to follow our heart in whatever we decide to do.

When the Knight of Cups relates to a person, he/she is usually sensitive,

loving, idealistic, imaginative, artistic and often psychic. This person is kind,
considerate, thoughtful and helpful, and likes to please and attract attention.
He/she is exciting and entertaining and has the enthusiasm that can be
extremely contagious. The Knight of Cups can be very charming and
seductive and may portray the qualities of a romantic lover. However, this
knight can be vain and lack sincerity. He/she finds it hard to make a
commitment and will be out of there like a shot at the first glimpse of trouble.
The Knight of Cups may have good intentions but is not very dependable.

The Knight of Cups is linked with the water elements of the zodiacal signs of
Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. For any more information regarding this knight
please refer to the section on the Court Cards and Astrology.

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Interpretation
When the Knight of Cups appears it indicates that new opportunities are on
the horizon regarding your love life. It could be that you receive an invitation
or a proposition from someone you have met or will meet who sweeps you off
your feet. This person is pleasant, seductive, and charming, may be young or
young-at-heart and will have an intoxicating effect on you, and before you
know it you may find yourself falling in love. However, it urges you to ensure
the relationship is sincere and genuine before making a commitment.

Alternatively, new opportunities could prove to be rewarding or profitable. You

may be about to start on a creative or artistic endeavour that gives you the
chance to use your talents, skills and imagination, or perhaps you are just
simply about to change your job. Maybe you have spiritual, holistic or occult
interests and want to develop your intuitive or psychic abilities. Perhaps you
are about to book a long-awaited holiday with friends. These characteristics
can either apply to yourself or someone in your life. You can expect good
news that will bring you joy and happy times, so whatever you decide to do,
follow your heart and bring some happiness into your life.

Negative
When the Knight of Cups has a negative influence it signifies relationship
disappointments, unfulfilled desires and limited options. Perhaps you or
someone close to you is indecisive and lacks commitment. An offer or
opportunity may not be what it appears to be. You have an overactive
imagination and your big ideas are going nowhere. Perhaps this lack of
motivation has triggered a separation in your personal relationship. You need
to take some time out and think about your life and where it is going. Are your
hopes and dreams really going to work or are they unrealistic? Is someone’s
mood swings driving you to despair? Are other people misleading you?
You need to stop being easily influenced by others and stop running away at
the first sign of difficulty.

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Everything that happens in our lives teaches us a lesson then it is up to us to
choose how to deal with it. Maybe you need to make an effort to change the
way you react to certain situations or events and bring more balance and faith
into your life.

People
Those who are romantic and idealize love. Those who remember special
occasions. Those who bring love into your life. Lovers. Charmers. Seducers.
Those who are creative and artistic. Poets. Actors. Dancers. Writers. Those
who are intuitive. Those who can tap into the subconscious. Mediums.
Psychics. Psychologists. Hypnotists. Visionaries. Those who are imaginative.
Dreamers. Those who can spin a yarn. Those who are sensitive to other
people’s moods, feelings, or pain.

Those who can mislead you. Those who have big ideas that come to nothing.
Those who are prone to mood swings. Those who can become melancholy
and depressed. Those who have a habit of telling lies. Those who can be
easily led. Those who are vain. Those who lack sincerity. Those who take
offence easily. Those who lack self-confidence. Those who are lazy or lack
motivation.

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 Queen of Cups

Key words and phrases: Homely and maternal.

Affectionate. Loving. Protective. Devoted to family and
loved ones. Understanding. Sensitive. Intuitive.
Honest. Empathic. Intuitive. Psychic abilities.
Sympathetic. Creative. Artistic. Refined. Sociable.
Sincere. Interested in the occult. An emotional and
harmonious life. In love.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a beautiful woman dressed in
white and blue majestic clothes sitting beside a calm sea on her elaborate
throne that is decorated with water nymphs. She is holding a closed ornate
cup that is symmetrically designed with an angel on each handle, which she
closely meditates upon.

The white and blue majestic clothes represent power and status. The
colour white symbolises innocence, warmth and love, and also physical or
emotional protection, or the spiritual protection of faith. The colour blue
signifies peace and purity. It is associated with dreamlike states,
contemplation, introspection and yearning. Blue is a healing colour
suggesting relaxation, sleep and tranquillity. It is also a colour of self-
expression and wisdom.

The sea symbolises our emotions. A calm sea indicates that our emotional
life is becoming calmer and more peaceful. The sea can signify intuition,
sensitivity, perception, or any aspect of the feminine. For a man, it may
symbolise a connection with his feminine side or anima. It can also signify our
innate creative potential or the spiritual side of our personality.

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The throne symbolises that we are recognising the right to take control. It is a
seat of power and authority in both the earthly and spiritual world.

The water nymphs symbolise beauty, innocence, purity and youthfulness. It

is said that they lived on the shores or in caves beneath the ocean. They
adore music and dance and have the power of prophecy. They can present us
with gifts, but can also be dangerous by drowning us. Mermaids are classed
as water nymphs and often appear as beautiful young maidens. For a man
they suggest the ideal woman, if there is such a thing, which can mean that it
can hinder his relationship with women if he is forever searching for
perfection, or it could be that he is frightened of sex. For male and female, it
suggests that we may need to look at our own perception of femininity, and in
what areas we may need to improve in order to grow and become whole.
Water nymphs are obviously associated with the water element, which
symbolises the emotions and intuition, and also healing with relationships,
children, love and sex.

The angels symbolise advice, guidance, help or protection. They suggest that
help will be provided if we ask for it. Because angels are spiritual they may
signify the desire to connect with our spiritual side. They suggest that
something situated deep in our subconscious could help us to remove the
obstacles that are stopping us from moving forward.

On the whole the Queen of Cups represents either a mature woman who is
significant to us in some way, or the personality traits that she embodies are
being expressed within us at the time of the reading. She is highly intuitive
and probably even psychic, and trusts that her inner guidance can pull her out
of any difficult circumstances. The Queen of Cups is a very passionate
woman and has a loving and sensitive nature. She always has a kind word for
everyone and her gentleness and compassion makes her loved by all.

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However, there may seem to be some aspects of her personality that are hard
to fathom out. It may feel like something secretive is going on around her or
there is an air of mystery about her. At times it seems that she has entered a
mysterious world making it hard for us to know who she really is. She also has
a very strong maternal and nurturing nature and never turns anyone away
who is in need of help in some way. The Queen of Cups feels what others are
feeling and reacts with sensitivity and compassion.

She is linked with the zodiacal sign of Scorpio. For more information on her
personality turn to the section on the Court Cards and Astrology.

Interpretation
When the Queen of Cups appears you may be becoming more in touch with
your inner self and your feelings. You could discover that you have similar
traits as the Queen of Cups or someone with her qualities may have entered
or is about to enter your life. Your imagination and your creative skills may
lead you to tackle a project that will give you the opportunity to express your
artistic qualities. Perhaps you will experience deep feelings and emotions due
to you beginning a relationship that has become loving, warm, passionate and
sensual. If you are unsure of which direction to take, just take some time out,
listen to your feelings and inner voice because your intuition and gut feelings
are usually right, and trust them to guide you to make the choices and
decisions that could be favourable for you.

Negative
When negative, the Queen of Cups signifies that you may be changeable and
unreliable. Perhaps your moods are becoming a drain on others because they
cannot understand why you are behaving so erratic and unpredictable. Maybe
you are in an unhappy relationship or feel that you have been deceived. It
could be that you have been hurt in the past and are being too protective with
your feelings making it hard for others to get close to you, or maybe you are
indulging in drink or drugs to escape from the real world. Perhaps you need to

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look at both sides of the situation before judging it, and maybe you need to
express your feelings more easily so that all parties involved will know where
they are up to within the relationship or situation.

People
A kind-hearted, tender, calming, understanding, affectionate and loving
woman. A wife, a mother, a friend or protective and maternal woman who
looks after the wellbeing of others. A woman who is intelligent, refined, and a
good adviser. A generous and honest woman. A woman who is devoted to
her loved ones and those close to her. An intuitive woman. A woman who is
very perceptive. An imaginative, creative and artistic woman. An emotional,
loyal and passionate woman.

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 King of Cups

Keywords and phrases: Generous. Helpful.

Understanding. Supportive. Compassionate.
Considerate. Reliable. Kind. Protective. Caring.
Professional. Balanced. Imaginative. Knowledgeable.
Reserved. A good listener. Gives good advice.
Collaboration. Negotiation. Association. Interested in
the arts. Sincere love. A father figure. A good friend.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a regal man dressed in a gold,
red and blue long robe sitting on a sturdy throne that is situated on a platform
in the middle of the sea. He holds a large cup in his right hand and a short
sceptre in his left, and around his neck he wears a gold chain with a gold
pendant of a fish attached. A ship to his left is sailing on a voyage and to his
right a large fish is leaping up out of the sea.

The robe symbolises status and power. It can signify warmth and love, and
emotional or physical protection, and also the spiritual protection of faith. The
gold colour is connected with the emotional self, and its attributes are
reasoning and sometimes judgement. It symbolises intelligence,
consciousness and awareness, and suggests that we are able to recognise
love, patience, wisdom and integrity. This colour urges us to focus on positive
feelings and warmth, and promises that success and happiness will enter our
lives. The colour gold brings out the best and most precious and loved
aspects of ourselves.

The colour red is associated with life, warmth, love and fertility, but also
danger, anger and aggression. Red can suggest that we may be suppressing
passionate feelings or indicates an intense drive for achievement and
success.
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The colour blue is a symbol of peace and purity. It is associated with
dreamlike states, contemplation, introspection and yearning. Blue is a healing
colour, suggesting relaxation, sleep and tranquillity. It also signifies self-
expression and wisdom.

The throne is a seat of power and authority in both the earthly and spiritual
realms. It is a traditional symbol of kingship, divine authority and power. It
suggests that we are acknowledging our right to take authority. A throne can
also represent our ability to belong to groups, or to society.

The platform can be associated with a stage. It can signify that we either feel
exposed or long for acknowledgement or recognition. It suggests that we may
need to “take centre stage” and make ourselves known.

The sea symbolises our emotions. The sea waves signify the ups and downs
of our everyday lives, however this king is on top of the sea suggesting that
we are in control of our emotions.

The large cup is associated with the water element, which symbolises
intuition and the emotions, and with healing in relationships, children, love and
sex. It represents our feminine side and suggests that we are receptive to
intuitive information. The cup urges us to understand that if we are intuitively
open to our feminine side we are more able to both give and receive help and
assistance with love and sensitivity.

The sceptre is a symbol of authority and rulership. Originally it was a male

phallic or fertility symbol, but now implies royal or divine power, and has been
used as a symbol of imperial or kingly position. A sceptre represents the right
to use our authority. It can also signify the transference of divine power from
above.

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The fish pendant is a symbol of our emotions, and a common symbol of
fertility and personal growth. Fish can also symbolise the emotional elements
that are deep in the subconscious mind. According to Jung, fish may
symbolise a deep level of unconsciousness. To relate with the fish in the card
that is leaping up out of the sea, Jung said: “Fishes and snakes are favourite
symbols for describing happenings or experiences that suddenly dart out of
the unconscious and have a frightening or redeeming effect.” Therefore, a
fish can signify a spiritual or deep search of our subconscious mind to see
what pops up.

The ship symbolises our journey through life, and can relate to the emotional
inner journey that we may be going through. It suggests that we may be
creating new horizons or interests, or on a voyage of discovery for new
experiences, however we will not be doing this alone, others will be involved.
A ship also symbolises the feminine because of its capricious nature.

On the whole the King of Cups signifies that some traits of this king is
emerging in us, or it is a man with similar traits who plays an important part in
our lives at the time of the reading. He makes a good adviser or counsellor on
emotional or psychological matters. Although he seems empathetic he will
remain detached. He is friendly and helpful and usually in a position of
authority, but can take on most things. He works well with people and is well
respected for his diplomacy and his careful intuitive approach. We may find
him in some caring profession possibly in a role of mediator, because he is a
good listener and so sensitive that he will immediately sense and understand
the root cause of any matter, which may lead him to become very successful.

Although he has deep feelings, he finds it hard to express them and will keep
his worries and problems to himself preferring to bury his head in his work
helping other people. It seems that he is frightened of losing control of his
feelings, and even though he may want to be in a deep relationship he will
need to feel that the commitment, trust and loyalty is strong enough for him to

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open up to his emotions. However, when he is in love he is emotional and
highly sexual.

The King of Cups is linked to the zodiacal sign of Cancer. For any other
information related to this king refer to the section on the Court Cards and
Astrology.

Interpretation
When the King of Cups appears it is time to get in touch with your own
feelings. You may receive some good advice or healing with the help of
someone from the caring, healing, teaching, spiritual or ecclesiastical
professions. This person may help you to develop aspects of your inner self or
teach you to be more open or to trust your feelings a lot more. Alternatively,
you may be asked to compassionately assist someone close to you who may
be unhappy with something that is bothering them.

Your intuition and instinct will turn out to be correct with some issue or
decision that you make in the near future. Try not to be hurt by what others
might say to you, you know they do not really mean it. Be creative and use
your intuition to gain success in your career. Take control of your career and
property matters, and keep your eye on your investments. Happy
circumstances arise from a loved one, or this is a period in which you feel
satisfied.

Negative
When the King of Cups has a negative influence it signifies that you or
someone close to you feels that their prestige has been damaged. There are
upsets in your career or home life. Someone may be playing with your
emotions to get what they want from you. Use your intuition and do not be
conned into anything. Perhaps you are being too overprotective with your
family and they feel that you are stifling their every movement. Maybe others
feel that you are being very moody recently and do not know whether they are

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going to come home or meet up with someone who is going to be happy or
miserable.

People
A good-hearted, generous and loyal man. A kind and honest man. a man who
keeps his head in a crisis. A man who inspires confidence and exerts a
beneficial influence on others. A doctor. A counsellor. A man who has the
ability to ease, bring peace and reassurance to others or to a situation. A
judge or lawyer. A connoisseur. A gourmet. An artist. A man who is devoted to
a noble and generous cause. A priest. A teacher.

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 Swords

Element: Air

Astrological Signs: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius

Season: Autumn (September – October – November)

Key words and phrases: Mental activity. Communication. Ideas. Thought.

Intelligence. Courage. Truth. Justice. Major choices. Perseverance. Self-
control. Fighting against obstacles. Trouble. Worries. Conflict. Important
decisions. Reason. Logic.

The suit of Swords is similar to the Spades in an ordinary pack of cards.

Swords relate to the air element and are associated with intellect, thought,
reason, truth, justice and moral principles. Words, communications and verbal
arguments are usual characteristics of the Swords suit. Swords and the air
element are linked with the educated mind and ideas that are always carefully
thought out, scrutinized and categorised. They can also indicate conflicts,
worries and difficulties that need a solution or action to be taken.

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 Ace of Swords

Key words and phrases: Courage. The start of an

intellectual endeavour. Daring and risky initiative. A
focused mind. Attainment of power and goals.
Recognition. Victory following a fight. Legal matters.
Justice. Original creation. Start of success. Career
satisfaction. Improved financial conditions. Will to win.
Leader. Champion. Hero.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a hand appearing from a grey
cloud grasping a sword above a rugged landscape. The point of the sword is
encircled by a crown, from which plants are hanging.

The hand appearing from the cloud is a symbol of power and creativity. The
cloud is a symbol of fertility, revelation and potential. A grey cloud suggests
that we need to take a current situation seriously. It also signifies dedication
and service.

The sword is an important and ancient symbol of power, authority, strength,

courage, justice and intellect that can be used in a constructive or a
destructive way. It also signifies clarity of thought, perception and spiritual
insight, and suggests that we are able to effectively cut through to the heart of
the matter.

The rugged landscape symbolises the obstacles and challenges that we

may have to negotiate. It suggests that we need to be aware of the difficulties
that may arise, and to be careful not to add to the problems through a
negative attitude when trying to reach our goals.

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The crown is a symbol of power, status and authority. It suggests that we
may receive acknowledgement and praise for our own success or for reaching
our goals. A crown signifies that we now have the opportunity to expand our
knowledge and awareness. It is a symbol of victory and dedication to duty.

The plants that are hanging from the crown signify that we need to nurture
and create our own opportunities because they are a symbol of progressive
change due to their process of growth and decay. Many plants have healing
and magical qualities, but if we do not have the knowledge to use their power
then plants can be harmful. Therefore, it is suggesting that we need to
positively progress to obtain the information or knowledge that will push us
further towards our goals.

On the whole, the Ace of Swords symbolises our ability to apply intelligence,
logic and reason in a fair and responsible way. It suggests that we should
behave rationally when facing problems or when trying to resolve a situation.
We are being urged to be courageous in adversity, even though it feels too
difficult to find the strength to overcome our challenges. Whatever our
situation, as long as we face it with a firm determination and honesty, justice
will win in the end.

We all have conflict and setbacks at some point in our lives therefore we must
view our problems objectively by looking at the facts in order to give us a clear
understanding of the situation, and to establish what is right or wrong. This will
enable us to dispel any confusion on our quest to find the truth. Once we have
cleared up any doubts or illusions a resolution usually follows, then we will
know what to do.

This card relates to the number one in numerology and the air elements of the
zodiacal signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius therefore, more information
associated with the Ace of Swords can be found in the sections of this book
on Tarot and Numerology and Tarot and Astrology.

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Interpretation
When the Ace of Swords appears in a spread, it indicates that you are able to
use your logic and intuition to deal effectively with a situation and resolve
matters that you are worried about. Your mental energy is strong, which will
help you to face your challenges and obstacles in a controlled and decisive
way. It suggests that you will be able to think more clearly and make rational
decisions that will enable you to drive forward with your plans and win the
day. A new project or job may be on the horizon that will enable you to utilise
your intellect and communication skills, or you may be about to begin some
form of study. Perhaps a new idea may turn out to be profitable. Whatever
your situation, concentrate and focus on your goals and objectives and trust
your own judgement. If you are involved with any legal matters, it indicates
that justice will prevail. Be disciplined and determined to overcome your
difficulties, challenges or obstacles.

Negative
In a negative situation, it indicates that you may suffer losses through being
too dependent on theory and not paying enough attention to practical issues
or to human values. You may be overreacting to some kind of situation. It may
suggest that you are behaving too forcefully in trying to reach your goals.
Pressurising others will not achieve anything. There may be delays or conflict
with putting your business ideas into action. Perhaps you have health
problems that will need a visit to the hospital for a minor operation or involve
injections.

People
Those who analyse a situation. Those who use their intellect. Those who
apply logic and reason. Those who overcome adversity. Those who face their
problems. Those who find the strength overcome a situation. Those who are
undaunted by setbacks. Those who work in the legal system. Those who
champion a cause. Those who right a wrong. Those who accept
responsibility. Those who want what is fair. Those who establish the truth.

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 Two of Swords

Key words and phrases: Crossing swords with

someone. Disagreement. A tense situation. Possible
problems ahead. Struggle. Feeling overwhelmed.
Challenge. A difficult decision. Competition.
Precarious balance. Struggle. Getting nowhere fast.
Antagonism. Provocation. Incompatibility. Choosing
the lesser of two evils. Quarrel. Contention. Duality.
Truce. Antagonism. A settlement. Balancing the
situation. An agreement. Differences resolved.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a young woman wearing a blindfold sitting on a stool
with her back to the sea. She has her arms crossed across her chest while
holding two swords across her shoulders. Jagged rocks can be seen
emerging from the sea and a new moon shines down on her.

The blindfold suggests there is something we are not seeing, or maybe

refusing to see. We are being irrational and refusing to see the bigger picture.
Maybe we are choosing to ignore our own or someone else’s faults, or
perhaps we feel that we are being deceived but do not want to face the truth.
If we do not stand up to it we will never be able to move on and anxiety will
get the better of us.

The crossed arms and swords can signify the pain and suffering we are
putting ourselves through because of our difficulties, worries and fears,
however it will eventually lead to transformation. It can also suggest that we
are putting ourselves in a situation of self-imposed martyrdom, maybe due to
some guilty feeling. We need to remove whatever it is in our life that is forcing
us to bear a cross and start to love ourselves again.

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The jagged rocks symbolise a threat of disaster if we do not do anything
about the situation we are in. Perhaps we are being too emotional and need
to move in a different direction. Rocks suggest that we have the strength of
character even when the odds are against us, so instead of battling against
these obstacles we need to find a way around them, our success will depend
on this.

The new moon is a symbol of receptivity, instinct, the subconscious,

emotional life and the ability to react. The moon can pull on our emotions and
is associated with feelings, irrationality, and the subconscious or hidden. Its
symbolism is predominately associated with the feminine, and connected to
the imagination, intuition, psychic powers and dreaming. The new moon
suggests that we need to be receptive to what is going on in our lives,
especially of an emotional nature, and to search deeply within ourselves to
find the answers that will enable us to move forward. A new phase is
beginning in our lives.

On the whole, the Two of Swords signifies that we may find ourselves in an
unhappy situation but afraid to act upon it. Closing our eyes to what is going
on only causes us distress, and no matter how much we refuse to face the
truth or run away from the situation it will eventually come back to trouble us
again. Why do we sometimes refuse to look at the facts or ignore the warning
signs and instead pretend that everything is fine? Perhaps we are afraid to act
or do not want to rock the boat, so we try to hide our distress or turn a deaf
ear to the situation. If we stifle our true feelings for too long we will find it much
harder to open up again, which will lead to our situation or relationships
making no progress. Therefore, we need to have the courage to take of the
blindfold and address our issues by listening to each other in order to break
free of the deadlock and bring peace and harmony to our situation.

This card relates to the number two in numerology therefore, more information
is available by referring to the section on Tarot and Numerology.

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Interpretation
When the Two of Swords appears, it suggests that you need to face up to the
challenges or obstacles that you come up against, otherwise you will feel
forever trapped by your circumstances. You may be in a relationship or
situation that seems to be filled with conflict and discord but choose not to
acknowledge that there are any problems, so you put up barriers to protect
yourself from any hurt or unpleasantness. Lack of clarity and differences of
opinion will only cause confusion and deadlock if you do not confront your
situation or the trouble within your relationship.

This card indicates that you may be your own worst enemy and have imposed
the stalemate upon yourself. However, once you have found the courage to
make your move, you will be able to see your way forward and bring peace
and balance back into your life. Do not bury your head in the sand, once you
resolve your dilemma you will know where you are headed and a new way of
life will begin.

Negative
In a negative position, the Two of Swords indicates that it is the end of the
deadlock and you can now see yourself clear to move forward. You have
thought things out very carefully or even received advice, which has made
you feel that you have to make changes or take a new direction for your own
benefit. If you have made any decisions related to your circumstances just
wait a little while to see how they unfold.

People
Those who are being defensive. Those who are hiding their true feelings.
Those who suppress their emotions. Those who refuse to look at the facts.
Those who pretend that everything is fine. Those who are always on the
defence. Those who shut their eyes to what is going on. Those who choose
not to know. Those who do not like to rock the boat. Those who feel afraid to
act. Those who refuse to make a decision.

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 Three of Swords

Key words and phrases: Tears and woe. Sorrow.

Conflict. Strife. Hurt. Painful news. Loss. Funerals.
Emotional pain. Grief. Disorder. Angry with friends.
Separation. Divorce. The end of a love affair.
Distraught about your love life. Confusion. Surgery.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a heart being pierced by three
swords floating in the sky. Behind the pierced heart
stormy clouds have gathered and it is raining heavily.

The pierced heart signifies that someone or something has deeply hurt or
wounded us on an emotional level, usually a close relationship or a
partnership. It can also suggest a minor operation at the hospital may be
needed. Whatever the situation it will mean some kind of severance. Rather
than keeping our emotions to ourselves it would be wise to seek counsel or
comfort from people who are close to us at this time.

The stormy clouds suggest that we are suppressing our feelings of anger
and frustration. A storm can release our pressure and tension, so perhaps an
outburst can clear the air, so to speak.

The heavy rain signifies emotional upheaval and sadness about a

relationship. It indicates tears and the release of repressed feelings and
emotions. It is time to let go and wash away whatever or whoever has been
hurting us.

On the whole, the Three of Swords symbolises grief, sadness, loss, and
breakages in relationships, work, and financial or material issues. It signifies
a situation in which we have discovered a painful truth that has left us
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heartbroken. However, this card does have a positive side to it. It urges us to
find the strength to move forward because we will come to the realisation that
pain and grief are a part of life, therefore, only temporary. If we try to
understand pain and grief as a process that we need to work with rather than
work against, then the healing process that follows will allow us to move
forward.

It indicates that we need to deal honestly with our situation or relationship in

order to gain some insight into our dilemma, even though we are hurting
inside. It will help us to see things as they really are and put our emotional
pain into perspective. Life comes in cycles as does pain and grief, and can be
looked upon as a catalyst for growth and change, by teaching us compassion
and showing us new and happier ways to live.

This card relates to the number three in numerology therefore, more

information associated with the Three of Swords can be found in the section
on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Three of Swords appears, it suggests that you are going through a
period of mental stress, emotional hurt and sadness, conflict and upheaval.
This could be due to angry quarrels, a separation or breakup within a personal
or family relationship, or within a situation. Relationships are very much on
your mind at the moment. However, you need to be honest with yourself, put
your pain and sorrow into perspective and try to come to terms with your
emotional situation in order to start the healing process and find a resolution
to your anguish.

Once you have managed to realise that your situation was inevitable and
necessary to go through then you will be able to move forward in a positive
way, and as a result you will become more understanding, compassionate

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and a much stronger person. Sometimes this card suggests the need for
medical or dental treatment.

Negative
In a negative situation, the Three of Swords suggests that you have been
going through a painful time and now it is finally coming to an end. It may
have left you feeling a little confused but you are learning to manage and
cope again. The worst is over and the healing process has begun. It may also
indicate illness or minor surgery.

People
Those suffering emotional pain. Those who are hurting inside. Those who
receive some bad news. Those who are heartbroken. Those who feel lonely.
Those who are separated from loved ones. Those who have been rejected.
Those who discover a painful truth. Those who feel they have been stabbed in
the back. Those who have been betrayed. Grief-stricken people.

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 Four of Swords

Key words and phrases: Rest. Recovery from

illness. Relaxation. Recuperation. Realistic.
Recharging your batteries. Constructive. Person of
action. Efficient. Works hard. Cautious and sensible. A
holiday or trip. Taking time out.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a knight lying on his tomb with
his hands held in prayer. Three swords hang on the
wall next to a stained-glass window and another
sword lies at the side of his tomb.

The knight lying on his tomb suggests that he is searching the spiritual side
of his nature to find the heroic aspect of himself that will take risks in order to
gain honour, respect, but also to remain true to himself. He feels the need to
protect his ideas and ideals, and protect himself from the emotions that make
him feel anxious, and also from the things he feels are threatening him. The
tomb symbolises death and rebirth, whether it is literal or metaphorical. In
other words, it is the end of a phase in life and the beginning of a new lease or
quality of life.

The knight’s hands held in prayer suggest that we are calling for outside
help. Through prayer and meditation we are not just trying to communicate
with God, but also the higher spiritual side of ourselves. Praying is also a way
of making amends for our wrongdoings. We all need to feel that there is a
higher power there for us when we feel the need to atone for our sins, or
bargain for what we want.

On the whole, the Four of Swords indicates a period of recovery in order to

recharge our batteries after a period of emotional or physical turmoil. It
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suggests that we need to spend some time in solitude and contemplation to
gain a better perspective on our circumstances and experiences, and to
gather our strength and prepare ourselves for the future. We need to stand
back and take a break, think things through and review where we are at just
now. This will give us the opportunity to relax our body and soul, listen to our
inner voice and consolidate our inner resources to prepare us for the tasks
ahead. Sometimes it signifies convalescence after an illness. Whatever our
situation, it suggests that we need time alone to examine our motivations, to
give our body time to heal and prepare ourselves for a new energizing and
driving force in our lives.

This card relates to the number four in numerology therefore, other

information can be found by referring to the section on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Four of Swords appears in a spread, it indicates that you need time
out to rest and recuperate. Perhaps you have been ill and need to convalesce
or need to rest after a period of hard work. Time alone will give you the
chance to build up your strength and energy and to put recent events into
perspective. Perhaps it may be a good idea to take some time away from your
daily routine or maybe even a holiday is in order.

It is important to look after your own needs and take the time to explore any
conflicting emotional or physical elements in your life that need to be resolved.
Only by bringing some peace and quiet into your life will you be able to
restore balance and harmony of your mind, body and soul. If you continue to
overdo it and do not take a break your health may suffer. You need to rest
now and again, and once you have you will be ready to fight another day.

Negative
In a negative position, the Four of Swords indicates that you may be feeling
out of touch with friends and relationships and with what is going on around

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you after a period of rest. Your faith has been restored and you are filled with
hope and energy. You feel refreshed and able to cope with your daily routine.
However, you need to be aware that your health may still continue to be a
worrying factor in your life at the moment even if it does not feel like it.

People
Those who are resting or taking a break. Those who are giving their body time
to heal. Those who are recuperating from an illness. Those who are finding
peace and quiet. Those who are taking time alone to think. Those who are
examining their motivations. Those who are preparing for the future. Those
who are tying up loose ends.

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 Five of Swords

Key words and phrases: Triumph and defeat.

Negative thinking. Winning unfairly. Cheating.
Manipulation. Struggle. Losing face. Humiliation.
Getting what you want but not the way you want it.
Using drastic measures to overcome problems or
obstacles. Destructive behaviour. Success in some
areas but not in others. Selfish.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a man looking back with
contempt at two other men who seemingly look defeated and dejected after a
fight or conflict. Stormy clouds are building up as the man collects the
captured swords as a trophy for his success.

A fight or conflict signifies the personal battles or struggles of our everyday

lives. Conflict can come at us from all sorts of sources, such as work, love,
sex, money, children, and so on, and often there is no easy solution. Our
opponents may be real people or represent abstract qualities, such as luck,
fate, challenges or opposition, or an aspect of ourselves that we are at odds
with. It suggests that we may have entered into some kind of quarrel and
need to look at the conflict situations in our lives, and the people we come into
contact with on a regular basis to see whether they are being aggressive or
domineering.

If we feel defeated or deceived, we need to see whether we are being

manipulated over a real issue. Usually our opponents will be people with
whom we are having some kind of struggle or conflict. Who wins is a vital
question, as it could indicate what is actually happening in an important
relationship, what we wish for or what we fear. Therefore, we also need to pay
attention to our feelings in situations like this. Are we feeling frightened, hurt,
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confused, sad, angry or rebellious? If we can relate to any of these feelings,
then once we have come to terms with them and our situation we will be more
likely to take the appropriate action.

The stormy clouds suggest that we are suppressing our feelings of anger
and frustration. A storm can release our pressure and tension, so perhaps an
outburst can clear the air.

A trophy symbolises achievement and recognition. It suggests that we have

overcome our obstacles and used our instincts and intuition to gain success
over our opponents.

On the whole, the Five of Swords reminds us to think about our own and other
people’s motivations. It suggests that we may have been taking advantage of
someone and tried to impose our will on a situation without taking the
concerns of others into consideration. The Five of Swords indicates that we
must accept our limitations and learn to use integrity, rather than being
manipulative and selfish in our quest to gain ground. On the other hand, it can
suggest that we feel humiliated because we have allowed ourselves to be
deceived or hurt by a situation or person. There are times when we need to
think of our own needs, especially when we are being taken advantage of or
feel tired from the demands of others.

The Five of Swords can also indicate arguments and hostility, and if we have
emerged from a hostile situation then what was the cost of the victory and did
the ends justify the means? In hindsight are we now thinking “why on earth
did I do that and what was I thinking?” If we have been treated unfairly,
exploited or humiliated, what are we going to do to make sure it does not
happen again? There is too much degradation, destruction, dishonour,
cowardice, cruelty and greed on this planet, so we need to face up to our
responsibilities and try to salvage something worthwhile and long-lasting in

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our lives from the lessons that we can learn from all the adverse situations
around the world.

This card relates to the number five in numerology therefore, the section on
Tarot and Numerology can offer more information associated with the Five of
Swords.

Interpretation
When the Five of Swords appears, it indicates that you may find yourself in a
situation where someone or something is stopping you from moving forward
and you have no choice but to swallow your pride and accept the reality of the
situation. Admitting to your limitations may be humiliating, but alas we must in
order to make changes and progress. Perhaps you have taken on more than
you can cope with, and because of your ego you do not like to admit that you
have made a mistake. Trying to blame it on others will only cause hostility, so
there is no use trying to force the issue because it will only backfire on you.

You may still want to carry out the changes that you want to implement or the
direction you have been wishing for. However, you may succeed in some
areas but not in others, and realise that your desires have not been fulfilled,
because even though you may have got what you wanted, it may not have
been the way you wanted it to be. Perhaps you are trying to make changes
too quickly, which is resulting in conflict and confusion. Before you can move
forward, maybe you need to listen, learn and understand other people’s side
of things before making your own decisions, taking your own action and trying
to get your own way. The Five of Swords is teaching us a lesson in urging us
to reconcile ourselves with the disagreeable situations and events in order to
move on.

Negative
In a negative position, the Five of Swords has a similar meaning to the upright
position but is moving out of your life. It suggests that you have learnt to

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swallow your pride and honestly assessed your own abilities and peace has
come back into your life. However, the battle has thrown about a lot of lies
and slander and left you feeling envious, victimised and full of self-pity, but
there is no going back. You can analyse what went wrong but it is best to
accept what happened and start again.

People
Those who act in their own self-interest. Those who think of their own needs.
Bad losers. Those who are experiencing conflict and hostility. Troublemakers.
Those who achieve a dubious victory. Those who lose sight of what is right.
Those who are dishonourable. Those who lose face.

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 Six of Swords

Key words and phrases: Moving away from stress,

troubles, conflict or difficulties. A feeling of moral or
physical discomfort. Difficult or argumentative
relationships. Feeling insecure or misunderstood.
Deciding to move on. Severing a relationship. Cutting
ties. Leaving difficulties for a safe refuge. Relocating.
Intellectual and moral fatigue. Depression. Poor or
failing health. In the wrong job. The worries of daily
life. Travel. A water journey.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a ferryman carrying two passengers across a river to
a distant shore. The two figures that are shrouded in shawls seem to be
mother and child.

The ferryman symbolises that we are being steered out of one phase of our
lives to another, and leaving the past behind for a new and better future. He is
also associated with death, which comes from the story of the ferryman
carrying people across the River Styx to their death. However, in this case it
suggests being ferried towards a major change.

The river represents our emotional journey. In this case, crossing the river
suggests that we are moving out of rough waters into calmer waters and great
changes are about to happen in our lives. Water is a symbol of fertility,
growth, creative potential, new life and healing.

A shroud symbolises death, which may be the death of something in our

lives, or the death of our past way of life. However, it can also signify that we
may have something to hide.

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On the whole, the Six of Swords indicates that worries, tensions and anxieties
are being resolved. It suggests that we are getting over a tough period in our
lives and hopefully heading towards a more positive phase and peace of
mind. We still do not know what the future holds but feel that our
circumstances can only improve. This may signify a journey of learning and
personal development, a journey that needs to be made to help us to emerge
from our difficulties in a much wiser and more balanced frame of mind. The
Six of Swords may indicate a literal move or journey to somewhere where we
will feel more secure and happier. We are entering a new phase and trying to
put our problems behind us, and we are filled with new hopes and aspirations.
The only way to go now is forward.

This card relates to the number six in numerology therefore, other information
associated with the Six of Swords can be found in the section on Tarot and
Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Six of Swords appears in a spread indicates that you may have
been going through difficult relationships, moral or physical discomfort or the
numerous worries of daily life. Now you are ready to experience a change of
scene or move to a different location for some peace of mind. Perhaps you
feel like taking a trip or even moving abroad. This is a turning point in your life,
which you enter into with a more positive outlook on life. You are leaving the
past behind even though you do not know what the future holds, but you know
that you have your dignity and self-respect and the only way is up.

Negative
When the Six of Swords is in a negative position it suggests that a situation is
getting better but not as quickly as you would like it to be. There may be
delays with travel or a move, or a relationship may be severed because of a
journey or move. Perhaps your work is not going as smoothly as you would
like it to be and you are suffering financial losses through taking risks or being

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careless. It is not a good idea to take short cuts when faced with problems,
you need to be tenacious and consider matters carefully.

People
Those who are trying to get over a tough time. Those who are picking up the
pieces. Those who are recovering and beginning to cope again. Those who
are travelling or on some kind of journey. Those who are changing location.
Those who are entering into a new frame of mind. Those who are
experiencing a change of scenery.

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 Seven of Swords

Key words and phrases: Slyness. Sneakiness.

Cunning. Trickery. Taking advantage of someone. A
less-than-honourable action. Unreliability. Taking
something that does not belong to you. Stealing.
Theft. Secrecy. Betrayal. Feeling cheated. Ability to
convince others. Success due to your ideas. A job or
career change. A brilliant mind.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a young man quietly creeping
away from a tent camp carrying a number of swords in his arms while looking
over his shoulder to make sure he has not been seen.

The creeping away is to act like a thief. This suggests that either someone
may be furtively taking something from us or we need to check whether we
are being totally honest about something. It does not necessarily mean that
some materialistic possessions are being taken, it can also suggest that our
emotions, energy or ideas may be being stolen.

The tent camp suggests that we need to get away from our everyday
responsibilities. We may also be feeling the need to move on, away from ties
and not have to depend on anyone. Tents signify that we want to be self-
sufficient and have a more simpler way of life.

On the whole, the Seven of Swords indicates that we will need to be

diplomatic and cunning when we are dealing with the opposition, challenges
or obstacles that we may come up against when trying to reach our goals. We
will need to use our intellect, logic and wits when investigating or trying to
solve our problems in order to obtain the best results. It suggests that if we
are to take advantage of a situation then some kind of deception may be
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needed, even though it makes us feel uncomfortable. Moving behind the
scenes may help us to gain control of a situation without it appearing that we
are to others, in the hope that the end will justify the means to bring us
success.

However, the Seven of Swords also advises us to be careful that we are not
being taken advantage of or being deceived. This may be in the form of
someone opposing our freedom, independence and diversity, or even stealing
from us, which includes our ideas and plans, therefore we may even need to
be careful of what we say to others. It suggests that we do not run away from
our problems or troubles but to stand up for what we believe is right with
integrity and diplomacy.

This card is related to the number seven in numerology therefore, other

information associated with the Seven of Swords can be found in the section
on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Seven of Swords appears it advises you not to act hastily or
impulsively when facing a difficult situation, instead it suggests that you
approach it in a skilful and intelligent way. Confrontation and arguments are
not the answer. You need to be tactful, diplomatic and be careful with who you
trust when trying to reach your goals. Guile, strategy and knowledge of other
people’s weaknesses will help you to beat the opposition. Be careful about
sharing your ideas and plans because someone may be taking notes, and
before you know it your project is in someone else’s name. At this time you
need to be vigilant to avoid being deceived. Your success is due to your
ideas, intellect, studies or research, so do not let anyone take all the glory.

Perhaps you are running away from some commitment, responsibility,

relationship or work. You may be procrastinating because you do not want to
face your problems and in the hope that they will go away. You need to

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consider the consequences of your actions because others may class you as
being unreliable. Negative attitudes will only interfere with your goals. If you
are not happy with your relationships, job or financial situation you should
consider moving on and find a more compatible and satisfying situation. If you
are in conflict with someone or with a situation then you need to think positive
and respect other people’s ideas and what they have to say, perhaps then
you may be able to make some kind of compromise. If not then maybe your
own ideas, experience, philosophy or contacts will possibly benefit you and
help you towards your goal.

Negative
When the Seven of Swords is in a negative position you will need to be aware
of being manipulated or talked into buying into some scheme that will become
a burden to you. You may need to keep your wits about you for thieves just
now. Dwelling on your past mistakes can prevent you from making any
progress. Helpful advice or assistance is being offered, listen to what is said.
An unconventional approach to exploring new ideas and plans may prove to
be profitable.

People
Those who hide from the truth. Those who take the easy way out. Those who
sneak away. Those who keep things to themselves. Those who are deceiving
or being deceived. A cunning person. Those who are lying or stealing. A thief.
Those who cover their tracks. Those who move behind the scenes. Those
who prefer to work alone. Those who control without appearing to.

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 Eight of Swords

Key words and phrases: Feeling trapped by difficult

circumstances or fear. Feeling isolated. Crisis. A
major difficulty. Lacking confidence. Restriction.
Disagreement. Difference of opinion. Quarrels.
Anxiety. An oppressive environment. Conflict or
difficulties requiring a fight. A change or a renewal in
your life. A blessing in disguise.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a bound and blindfolded
robed woman standing on a wet and marshy shore surrounded by eight
swords that have been thrust into the ground. In the background a castle
stands on top of the rock-face at the edge of the seashore.

Being bound signifies a feeling of restriction and confinement. It suggests that

we may feel that we are in a situation we cannot escape from. It can also
mean that we are putting these restrictions on ourselves, perhaps through
tying ourselves to work or some other circumstance.

Being blindfolded signifies that there is something we are not seeing or

refusing to see. It suggests that we are being irrational and refusing to see the
bigger picture. Maybe we are choosing to ignore our own or someone else’s
faults, or perhaps we feel that we are being deceived but do not want to face
the truth. Whatever the situation we need to stand up to it or we will never be
able to move on and anxiety will get the better of us.

The wet and marshy shore signifies emotional difficulty. It suggests that we
are feeling insecure and bogged down with problems, and perhaps finding it
hard to move forward due to a lack of confidence or emotional support.

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Being surrounded by the swords is to feel trapped. It suggests that our
situation or circumstances are making us feel trapped. Perhaps someone or
something has a hold on us and we feel unable to break free and may need
outside help. This could be related to our relationships, behaviour or thoughts.
It can also mean that we are holding ourselves back through ties with
relationships, tasks or routine chores we could easily break away from.

The castle signifies a need to expand our horizons or capabilities, to establish

ourselves more solidly, or to make a bolder statement to the world about
ourselves. The castle is about how we see ourselves, and how we want to be
seen, and what we want from life.

The seashore is where two different worlds meet. It signifies the coming
together of our conscious and subconscious minds. We are being invited to
make a connection.

On the whole, the Eight of Swords signifies that we feel trapped in a situation
or by circumstances that we find difficult to escape from. We imagine that
there is no way out of our predicament and feel that if we do take action to
free ourselves we may suffer the consequences. Perhaps we feel trapped by
debt, an oppressed relationship, a dead end job, or even illusory thoughts,
and feel that we do not have the strength anymore to stand up for ourselves
or make the decision once and for all to break free.

However, it does suggest that our bondage may be of our own making and it
is our own fears or insecurities that are making us feel trapped. We need to
realise that we still have the power to make choices and can easily find a way
out if we want to. If we feel trapped by our worries and fears we must have the
courage to face our dilemmas and take responsibility for our lives, and once
we do this our anxieties will disappear and we will begin to feel more
empowered.

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This card is related to the number eight in numerology therefore, more
information is available in the section on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Eight of Swords appears in a spread it indicates that you feel
trapped by circumstances. You want to break free but cannot see a way out.
This may be because you are afraid of the consequences if you do take
action. Perhaps you are hesitant to confront the conflict in your life, which is
resulting in you becoming trapped by your own indecisiveness. Maybe the
problems you are facing are of your own making and you are bringing anxiety
and unhappiness upon yourself. Do not undermine yourself or let your fears
get the better of you because it is not as difficult as you think to break free.
With a little courage, honesty and a change of attitude, which may be blocking
your personal growth, you can change your situation and move on. Even if it
causes friction, so what? If you feel that you cannot go beyond your limitations
or see it through, then perhaps it may be time to seek advice. Sometimes this
card may indicate stress-related problems or a temporary illness that is
restricting you from moving forward.

Negative
When the Eight of Swords is in a negative position it indicates a slow and
steady return to “normality”. Your wounds are healing and a positive attitude
has returned. Restrictions are passing and you are able to see things more
clearly. Your confidence is rising, and you are feeling more relaxed and able
to deal with the problems that have been blocking your progress. Do not allow
yourself to become restricted again, stand up for yourself and be appropriately
assertive.

People
Those who feel restricted. Those who feel trapped by circumstances. A
prisoner. Those who feel persecuted. Those who are unsure which way to
turn. Those who feel at a loss. Those who feel overwhelmed. Those who lack

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direction. Those who feel victimised. Those who feel powerless. Those who
feel they are being restricted by their relationship.

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 Nine of Swords

Key words and phrases: Depression. Unhappiness.

Worries. Anguish. Anxiety. Sleepless nights. Constant
exhausting struggles. Unwarranted fears. Deception.
Impatience. Poor health. Despair. Female health
problems.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a disturbed woman sitting up
in bed in a dark room with her head held in her hands.
Her bedcover is decorated with red roses and the
symbols of the zodiac, and the woodcut on the side of her bed depicts a
swordsman overcoming his opponent in a duel.

The dark room suggests that there may be a part of ourselves that we have
not come to terms with, or can mean depression, negativity or confusion with
some aspect of our life.

Holding our head in our hands can signify horror or shame, and suggests
that we should give a great deal of thought and care to our situation.

The red roses are a symbol of the heart, beauty, perfection, and of sacred,
romantic and sensual love. However, in this case it may suggest that love
may have been betrayed.

The symbols of the zodiac may symbolise our shadow, in other words the
parts of ourselves that are hidden or we have not yet fully acknowledged.
They can also represent aspects of our conscious or subconscious
personality.

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A duel signifies inner conflict or a hostile relationship with someone else. It is
more than likely conflict with someone we know, or conflict between our
conscious and subconscious mind.

On the whole, the Nine of Swords signifies that we may be experiencing pain,
sadness or anxiety. Primarily, it does suggest that it could be all in our mind
and we are thinking negatively, being pessimistic and putting ourselves
through torture with our fears and doubts. However, it may indicate that we
feel betrayed by life because it has not worked out as we had hoped for. We
may be suffering pain through guilt and feel that we have done something
wrong, or failed to do something we should have done and now we are having
nightmares about it.

Usually, it suggests that our worst fears are unlikely to come true and the
unhappiness and vulnerability we are feeling are the aftermath of a difficult
situation. If we learn to look within ourselves at our underlying fears and
examine our situation, we will probably realise that it is not as bad as we
thought, then we can begin to move forward.

This card is related to the number nine in numerology therefore, the section
on Tarot and Numerology will offer more information associated with the Nine
of Swords.

Interpretation
When the Nine of Swords appears, it indicates that you are feeling
overwhelmed by severe doubt and utter despair. There may be negative
thoughts going through your head that has led to stress and depression and
even nightmares. Perhaps you are feeling guilty about something you have or
have not done, which has created a sense of foreboding. Maybe you are
hurting because a project is causing you more worries than satisfaction, a
personal relationship has gone sour, or there has been a recent bereavement.
Even though these situations are painful, time will overcome the hurt. You

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may have a challenging situation to face or have a difficult decision to make
that is causing worry and anxiety. However, it may be the negative thinking
and pessimism that is the most destructive and not the situation. If you learn
to let go of these thoughts your situation will become less daunting, and when
you realise that your situation is not as bad as you had imagined you will be
able to move on with a more positive attitude that may lead you to new
opportunities. Sometimes the Nine of Swords can relate to a woman around
you who might need your help because she may be suffering with women’s
problems or mental or physical issues.

Negative
When the Nine of Swords is in a negative position, it indicates that you are at
the end of a bad phase and sleepless nights will soon come to an end. You
need to rid yourself of old habits, behaviour and attitudes and a burden will
soon be lifted bringing you a feeling of new hope and promise. However, you
may hear some unpleasant rumours and scandal soon, but so what?

People
Those who feel anxious and tense. Those who are making themselves ill with
worry. Those who feel guilty. Those who are overcome by remorse. Those
who want to turn back the clock. Those who are suffering from anguish.
Those who are having sleepless nights or nightmares.

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 Ten of Swords

Key words and phrases: Ruin. Loss. Disruption.

Misfortune. Stabbed in the back. Hitting rock bottom.
Separation. The end of a cycle in your life. A brighter
future. Picking yourself up and dusting yourself down.
Continuing to fight until the struggles are over. The
only way is up. Victory. Triumph.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a dead man lying face down
on the ground with ten swords thrust into his back.
The sky is dark and gloomy bringing a more depressing atmosphere to the
scene, however there is light trying to shine through.

The dead man signifies a relationship or situation that has probably come to a
dramatic end and we may feel that we have been “stabbed in the back” or
betrayed. Alternatively, it can suggest that we have been carrying heavy
burdens from the past that will be the death of us, such as guilt-feelings,
negativity, habits, old attachments, values, ambitions and goals. Whatever the
situation the dead man is telling us to let these burdens die and look deep
within ourselves to find our real and positive self and bring it to life, then start
afresh and move on. If it relates to someone we know, then the dead man is
suggesting that this person may need some help or support because they are
going through some major upheaval or upset.

The dark and gloomy sky signifies that we have lost our way in life and do
not know which way to go. This can inflict feelings of depression and
frustration, and represent problems with reaching our goals or conflict and
disharmony with people in authority. However, there is light shining through
the dark sky, which suggests “light at the end of the tunnel” or searching for

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wisdom and insight about ourselves or our life through our subconscious
mind.

On the whole, the Ten of Swords signifies a crisis or conflict is about to be

resolved. Although we feel that we have hit rock bottom the worst is over and
we are now able to start moving forward and transcend it. Being at our lowest
point has enabled us to see things in a clearer light and we now know that we
have nowhere else to go but up. Endings are also the beginning of something
else and the realisation that a phase of our lives has ended, and with the
understanding that we need to let go we are then able to move on to develop
new ideas and relationships. Even though we do not know what the future
holds something new and inspirational may be just around the corner. The
hard part is over and our strength will push us forward.

This card is related to the number ten in numerology therefore, more

information associated with the Ten of Swords can be found in the section on
Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Ten of Swords appears, it is the end of a painful chapter in your life
that has left you feeling drained and exhausted. Maybe you feel that you have
lost everything and now you are going through pain and sadness. This may
be related to your work or a personal relationship. However, even though you
may be suffering just now, this card suggests that you have reached your own
limits or a situation has come to an inevitable end. Perhaps you have come to
a point where you have finally realised that the hard work you have been
putting in with your job has been a misconception and disappointment, or you
have realised that your relationship is not the idealistic partnership you
thought it was and the truth hurts.

It can also signify that negative thinking may have made the situation worse,
so you may need to rid yourself of any old or outmoded ways of thinking

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before moving on. Whatever crisis you have been up against recently will
improve, and the wisdom you have gained from your difficult experiences will
help you to drive forward with determination and optimism.

Negative
When the Ten of Swords is in a negative position, it suggests that new and
positive influences are on the way. Your health is improving and you are
willing to push forward until your struggles are over. However, be aware of
negative thinking because it will not help in a crisis situation.

People
Those who have nowhere to go but up. Those who have hit their lowest point
in life. Those who feel like a victim. Those who have suffered a loss. Those
who have suffered an attack. Those who can survive. Those who feel that
things cannot get any worse.

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 Page of Swords

Key words and phrases: A quick change of situation.

An emergency. News of conflict or illness. Forced to
make a choice. Insight. Strong-willed. Constructive
criticism. Perception. Discretion. Acting with skill.
Good business sense. Speaking your mind. Important
news or documents. Professional advice. The help
from someone who can act quickly. Travel.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts the Page swiftly walking
across rugged terrain holding up his sword in both hands while being watchful
and alert. A bird formation is flying in a cloudy sky, and the trees in the
distance bend in the wind.

Swiftly walking suggests that we are quickly and determinedly moving

towards our goal and capable of doing it on our own.

The rugged terrain suggests that we cannot expect our journey to be easy
and if we are alone we may be experiencing stress. It denotes that there could
be obstacles and difficulties ahead.

Holding on to the sword indicates strength, courage and justice, and

suggests that we are prepared to fight for our beliefs or to fight against
injustice, prejudice or oppression to reach our destination or goal.

Being watchful and alert suggests that we need to be aware and lively to any
information or occurrences that may come our way, and be watchful and
alert for any problems that may arise.

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The bird formation signifies that we have a sense of freedom and the
freethinking ability to develop structure and organisation to our thoughts,
ideas and imagination. They suggest that we are flying free from our cares
and worries. Birds can also indicate that we are flying towards or seeking
knowledge to a higher spiritual awareness.

The cloudy sky on this card is not stormy, therefore suggests that our hopes
and expectations are high and we do not want anything to stand in the way of
our dreams and plans. These cumulus clouds signify that we will get our
wish and reach our goal.

The trees symbolise growth and the basic structure of our inner lives. It may
suggest that we are fulfilling our destiny by going back to our base roots and
receiving guidance from our subconscious, in order to grow and develop so
that our plans and projects may bring a successful and fruitful future.

The wind depicted on this card is blowing in the same direction as the Page is
walking, therefore indicating that we are being blown along towards our goal.
It represents the amount of wisdom and intellect we have available. Whatever
amount this Page has available it is pushing us in the right direction.

On the whole, the Page of Swords can represent a young person in our lives
who is versatile, enthusiastic, alert and confident. This person is also
energetic, artistic and can do various tasks at the same time, and his sharp
intelligence helps him to make swift decisions. It signifies communication of all
kinds, and the Page of Swords especially enjoys listening to gossip and
scandal and sharpening or increasing his/her knowledge through study,
discovery and all kinds of mental activity.

However, this person may be deceitful and also gossip or spread rumours
about us behind our backs. He/she can be cruel or cutting with his/her tongue
therefore, suggests that we should be aware that others might be so ruthless

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that they will do or say anything to discourage us from reaching our goals. It
urges us to take decisive action and stand strong when we are up against
challenges or unexpected circumstances, in order to ensure a successful
outcome. When facing our challenges, the Page of Swords indicates that we
should stand up for ourselves but go into them with logic, reason, honesty and
fortitude.

The Page of Swords is associated with the zodiacal sign of Gemini therefore
more information can be sought by referring to the section on the Court Cards
and Astrology.

Interpretation
When the Page of Swords appears in a spread suggests that you may find
yourself in a situation in which quick reactions and having your wits about you
are needed before making any decisions. Someone may be spreading
rumours about you or you may find yourself the object of someone’s sharp
tongue. It advises that you act with caution. However, refuse to be
discouraged and face your problems squarely and honestly, and do what you
know is right but do not believe everything you hear.

The Page of Swords can indicate a crisis that may need a professional
adviser, expert or someone you can trust to help you to make the correct
decision. It also suggests that unexpected news may bring new opportunities
into your life, however it urges you to be careful and aware when signing
contracts or agreements because you may not know what you are committing
yourself to, or what the future consequences are. If you have been going
through any problems with relationships, career or financial issues, obviously
they need to be resolved, but the outlook is positive and any conflict you have
been experiencing will come to an end.

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Negative
When the Page of Swords is in a negative position, it indicates that you are
finding it hard to concentrate on your job at the moment possibly through
boredom, and your mind is jumping from one idea to another leaving the task
at hand unfinished. You may be suffering inner conflict due to past injustices.
Perhaps you are involved in arguments or even scandal, or someone may be
spying on you to gain information they can use against you. It also suggests
that there may be disappointments and delays regarding contracts or
business documents.

People
Those who think everything through. Those who study and research the facts.
Those who analyse a problem and use logic and reason. Those who are
mentally quick. Those who face problems squarely. Those who are able to
resolve disputes rationally and responsibly. A negotiator. Those who do what
they know is right. Those who are diplomatic. Those who champion a cause
and right a wrong. A gifted child.

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 Knight of Swords

Key words and phrases: A difficult or controversial

situation. A situation where you need to act quickly.
Leadership. Courage. Firmness. Strength. Skill.
Initiative. Determination. Sense of duty. On the go.
Fighting to solve a problem or conflict. Swift or
impulsive action. Justified anger. Mental challenges.
Communication. Triumph over opposition.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a knight in armour riding
swiftly on his white horse into battle. He holds his sword up high as he
charges forward into the wind with his visor raised. The horse’s bridle is
decorated with butterflies and birds.

The knight in armour on this card signifies that we are charging forward on
our path and ready to fight against injustice or an oppressor in order to bring
peace with ourselves, other people or a situation. This knight suggests that
we are trying to gain honour and respect while remaining true to ourselves.
The armour in this case signifies that we are protecting our ideas, dreams
and ideals.

The white horse is a symbol of light, life and spiritual illumination. It signifies
increased strength, stamina and virility. It indicates that it is time to “take the
reins” and assume control, and because of its speed, it means that we are
moving swiftly towards our goal.

This knight is charging forward into the wind, which suggests that we are
battling with a situation that is sapping a lot of our energy. Metaphorically, we
may have to fight against the wind to gain control of a situation.

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The raised visor suggests that we are not expecting strong opposition and
we are confident of our success. However, it can suggest that we may be a
little impetuous charging headlong into an untested situation.

Butterflies represent freedom and light-heartedness. However, they can also

suggest that we are not focusing on what we are doing because we are too
busy flitting about from one thing to another and not finishing what we started
in the first place. There seems to be a lack of ability to settle down to the task
at hand. Because the butterfly can metamorphose from a caterpillar to a
butterfly it can also signify some kind of transformation that is about to
happen in our life.

The birds signify freedom and the freethinking ability we need to develop our
thoughts, ideas and imagination into something workable. They also suggest
that we are flying towards or seeking knowledge to a higher spiritual
awareness.

On the whole, the Knight of Swords indicates a period of sudden changes and
disruption in our lives from one day to the next. As a person he is courageous,
is sharp and alert, he has a keen and forceful intellect and is a master of logic
and reason. He is very good at analysing information and solving difficult or
confusing situations. He is outspoken and gets straight to the point with
authority, influence and honesty, leaving others knowing where they stand.

As a situation, the Knight of Swords suggests that we have the ability and
desire to drive forward in order to reach our goals. We are able to brave the
difficulties or obstacles and will not hesitate to take the initiative and make
radical decisions when needed. This is a time to recognise and confront the
destructive aspects in our personal lives and relationships. However, it does
urge us not to be sharp-tongued, rude and tactless, otherwise it may cause
more trouble than we need and we also must think of other people’s feelings
rather than cutting off our emotions altogether.

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The Knight of Swords is associated with the astrological air element of the
zodiacal signs of Gemini, Libra and Aquarius therefore, more information
related to this card can be found in the section on the Court Cards and
Astrology.

Interpretation
When the Knight of Swords appears in a spread, it indicates that you may
have a desire to make drastic changes in your life. New opportunities may
lead you to make changes to your relationships, job or home. Perhaps you
are becoming more focused on a business venture that will mean more
financial benefits or travel. Maybe a new love affair is about to begin or an
existing relationship is about to come to an end. Just try not to be too critical
or lack sensitivity towards your partner. Be careful not to cause trouble
through being too impatient or impulsive, handle difficulties or problems
directly, firmly and honestly. There may be someone who could give you
some good advice that will help you to resolve your situation. The Knight of
Swords can indicate someone who is coming to save you from a difficult
situation or someone who suddenly sweeps you off your feet. Whatever
happens will be sudden, unexpected and unplanned.

Negative
When the Knight of Swords is in a negative position it is not the time to start
something new, wait a little longer. An aggressive, destructive or unstable
young man may create conflict around you. Arguments or disputes are likely
and quick decisions are needed. Someone may be being secretive and not to
be trusted. Perhaps you are not thinking straight and unable to focus on the
task at hand. You need to be patient and avoid sharp words and impulsive
behaviour.

People
Those who are direct and get straight to the point. Authoritative people with
great influence. A leader. Those who are incisive and alert. Those who are

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knowledgeable and can go into detail on most topics. Those who make sense
out of confusion through logic and reason. A strong and helpful young man or
woman.

Those who can be tactless and rude. A gossip. Those who do not spare the
feelings of others. Those who tend to be domineering. A bully. Those who
lack sensitivity. Those who can be critical and sarcastic. Those who believe
that they are always right. Arrogant people. those who are cut off from their
emotions. Cold and aloof people. A dictator.

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 Queen of Swords

Key words and phrases: Strong-willed. Having the

final word. Career-minded. Independent. Being alone.
Communication. Analytical. Quick-witted. Sarcastic.
Not easily influenced. Making the right decisions.
Knowing when to act. Keen intellect. Helpful advice
and assistance. Knowing what you want and how to
get it. Widowed.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts the queen sitting on her
throne at the top of a hill while holding a sword in an upright position with her
right hand, and her left hand is extended and raised as if making some kind of
gesture. She is wearing blue and white robes and her throne is decorated with
a sylph and a butterfly.

The throne symbolises power and authority in both the worldly and spiritual
realm. It signifies that we have the power and the right to take a position of
authority.

The top of a hill suggests that we have worked hard to achieve our goal and
are now able to see the results of our success.

The upright sword is a symbol of justice, authority and responsibility used

positively. It is also a symbol of perception, spiritual insight and clarity of
thought, and suggests that we are able to cut through clearly and effectively to
the crux of a difficult matter.

The hand gesture seems to acknowledge what she has managed to achieve
in her life, but this queen has had her fair share of hurt along the way.
Therefore, at what cost was her success?
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The blue robe symbolises peace and purity, and is the colour of the Virgin
Mary. It is associated with wisdom, self-expression, dreamlike states,
contemplation, introspection and yearning. It is also a healing colour,
suggesting relaxation, sleep and tranquillity. The colour blue suggests that we
may have a sense of connection with our spiritual self.

The white robe is associated with purity. It suggests a desire to shape our life
into something pure and wholesome, and a growing connection with the
spiritual side of our nature.

Sylphs are said to be ageless, winged beings of the air, and live on
mountaintops. They are associated with logic, communication, learning and
travel, and are summoned by burning incense or aromatic oils. Sylphs are
also connected to the ritual knife or sword.

Butterflies symbolise transformation and rebirth because of the

metamorphosis it goes through from the caterpillar stage. They are delicate
and ethereal, therefore suggesting that we should try to be more light-hearted
and less serious.

On the whole, the Queen of Swords is often associated with a woman who
may have suffered with disappointments and sorrow. She may be a widow or
divorcee who has come to terms with being alone. She has become very self-
reliant, independent and resilient due to the pain and disappointment she has
endured. When voicing her opinions she will tell you exactly how it is in a
direct and open way. She is determined to reach her aims, knows what she
wants and how to get it. She is intelligent, talented, creative and ambitious,
and most likely to be found on the front line in business, corporate enterprise
or others bodies where she likes to express her individuality in company
speculation or gain. She may also be found involved with societies and
associations where she is able to display her creative flair.

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The Queen of Swords has the ability to quickly weigh up a situation and
understands human fatuity, which she judges fairly and in an unbiased way,
but she is not easy to fool. It suggests that we may meet someone like her or
we might want to adopt some of her qualities.

The Queen of Sword is associated with the zodiacal sign of Aquarius

therefore, more information on this card can be found in the section on the
Court Cards and Astrology.

Interpretation
When the Queen of Swords appears in a spread, it advises you to adopt her
qualities of courage and determination when dealing with difficulties or
obstacles in your life. It can also indicate that you may meet someone with her
characteristics that can help your situation. It is time to break free from
tradition, the way you think and feel or, anything you feel that is tying you
down, and be more unconventional or do something different and unusual.
Begin to stand out from the crowd and show others how unique you are. If you
are going through difficulties, stand up for yourself and be more assertive with
the people who are trying to impose ties on you. If you have suffered some
kind of grief or setback you will soon be able to transform this negative
experience into something much more positive, and come out of it a much
wiser person. If you are feeling lonely, go out and have some fun. Do not let
others decide or control your destiny.

Negative
When the Queen of Swords is in a negative position, it can indicate that a
vindictive and unpleasant woman may be spreading malicious gossip about
you, possibly motivated by jealousy. You may have to pit your wits against a
professional adversary. Do not allow past unhappy emotions embitter you
against the opposite sex and love in general. Someone may be trying to force
you to do things their way. There may be quarrels with friends, broken
relationships or love affairs, or setbacks in speculation.

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People
Those who are honest and up front with everyone. Those who are direct and
open in all their dealings. Those who are astute and can quickly weigh up a
situation. Straightforward and no-nonsense people. Those who are quick on
the uptake. Those who have a great sense of humour. Those who have seen
and done it all before. Those who have suffered loss or hardship. Those who
have the strength due to life’s experiences and knocks. A professional woman
who can advise or help you to fight your corner. A lawyer. A doctor. A
divorced, widowed or separated woman. Someone you will find hard to trick or
fool.

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 King of Swords

Key words and phrases: Authority. Professionalism.

Strength. Intelligence. Determination. Drive.
Aggression. Fighting spirit. Expertise. Knows what
needs to be done. Fulfilment of plans and ideas.
Justice. Law and order.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts the king sitting in on his
throne holding an upright sword as if in judgement. He
is wearing white, purple and orange robes and the
back of his throne is decorated with butterflies. In the sky a couple of birds
can be seen.

The throne is a seat of power and authority in both the worldly and spiritual
realm. It is a traditional symbol of kingship, and is suggesting that our right to
take authority has been acknowledged.

The upright sword is a symbol of authority, justice, intellect and light. It can
be used constructively or destructively, which means that if we are to accept
our sense of authority and power, then we have to accept the responsibility
that comes with it. The sword suggests that we have the ability to cut to the
crux of a difficult matter, and can also indicate the desire to cut certain
elements out of our life that no longer feed our growth.

The white robe is associated with purity. It suggests a desire to shape our life
into something pure and wholesome, and a growing connection with the
spiritual side of our nature.

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The purple robe signifies spiritual awareness and mystery. It suggests that
we may have a deep psychic or intuitive awareness to tap into an unexplored
aspect of our self.

The orange robe is an uplifting and cheerful colour. It signifies increased

energy and suggests that we are becoming more creative and confident about
ourselves and with the work we do.

Butterflies symbolise transformation and rebirth because of the

metamorphosis they go through from the caterpillar stage. They are delicate
and ethereal, therefore suggesting that we should be more light-hearted and
less serious.

The couple of birds signify the freedom of our thoughts, imagination and
ideas to create something workable. It also suggests that we are gaining a
higher spiritual knowledge and awareness.

On the whole, the King of Swords is concerned with truth, equality and
fairness. He is in a position of power and authority and approaches problems
rationally and logically rather than emotionally. He is clever, knowledgeable,
witty and intelligent of which he makes excellent use with skill, personal
initiative and enterprise within his business life or bringing quarrels to a
peaceful end. When a judgement is needed, he understands and honours all
sides of an issue and his decisions are impartial and objective.

However, sometimes the King of Swords can appear cold, uncaring and
domineering, but this is because he finds it hard to express his emotions,
which does not fair well in his personal relationships but works successfully in
business. The King of Swords suggests that it may be a good idea to develop
some of his personal traits, or may indicate that we may meet someone like
him who could offer us guidance or expert advice.

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This king is associated with the zodiacal sign of Libra therefore, the section on
the Court Cards and Astrology will offer more information related to the King
of Swords.

Interpretation
When the King of Swords appears in a spread, it suggests that you may be
about to meet someone in authority who is intellectual, articulate, analytical,
ethical and just, and may provide you with good business or legal advice. This
could lead to a promotion or the opportunity to look at your situation from a
new perspective that will lead to professional advancement.

The King of Swords advises you to remain detached and not to let your
feelings influence you. Become a leader and act in a decisive and
dispassionate way. Develop your intellectual and intuitive powers and use
your knowledge to put yourself in a more commanding position. Focus on
what is important to you now, and if you are looking for answers to anything
do not give up until you find them, however be careful who you share your
information with. If you are thinking of entering into a new personal
relationship, make sure that your new partner has interests that complement
your own.

Negative
When the King of Swords is in a negative position, you or someone close to
you is playing manipulative mind games with arguments. A malicious man
may be making trouble for you, possibly through written libel or spoken
slander. Be wary of a contract or document that can trap you into something
you will wish you had not signed. The King of Swords can also indicate that
you may be the victim of injustice or of an unfair verdict in a legal matter.

People
Those who are intellectual and knowledgeable. Someone who is ethical and
moral and works against corruption and dishonesty. A lawyer. A judge. Those

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who understand and honour all sides of an issue and are concerned about
truth and fairness. Those who are articulate. A writer. A speaker. Those who
communicate their ideas successfully. An unemotional, intelligent and
analytical man who is in a position of authority and can view situations with a
dispassionate eye and give you good and sound advice. A specialist. A
doctor. A government official.

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 Pentacles

Element: Earth

Astrological Signs: Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo

Season: Winter (December – January – February)

Key words and phrases: Business. Money. Property. Work. Career.

Financial security. Skills. Talents. Education and training. Material resources.
Status. Practical. Reliable. Sensible. Materialistic. Resourceful. Management.
Prosperity. Successful.

The suit of Pentacles is similar to the Diamonds in an ordinary pack of cards.

Pentacles relate to the earth element and are associated with business,
career, property, status and money. Pentacles and the earth element govern
things that we can see, touch, taste and smell, and are a suit of practicality,
security, prosperity and success.

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 Ace of Pentacles

Key words and phrases: A change for the better

financially. Start of a successful venture. Luck in
financial matters. Bright prospects. Promotion.
Success through pleasurable pursuits. Profit. Money
coming in. Financial success. Reward for hard work.
Lucrative venture. Material and spiritual prosperity.
Profitable investments of time, money and energy.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a hand appearing from a
cloud while holding a pentacle. The hand is suspended above a lush garden
that has an arched gateway cut into the hedging, which leads to some
mountains in the distance.

The hand appearing from a cloud is a symbol of fertility, natural abundance,

potential, revelation, power and creativity.

The cloud suggests that we have a desire for unity and wholeness and a
growing connection with the spiritual side of our nature, but we need to take
our current situation seriously with dedication and service.

The cupped hand suggests a helping hand is being offered or we are holding
on to what we have.

The pentacle is a symbol that awakens the personal magic within us to bring
all matters of concern within our hopes, dreams, aspirations and wishes into
harmony. It suggests that we should focus on bringing our own magical
qualities and wishes into harmony and work towards attaining our goals.

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The lush garden symbolises potential, personal growth, beauty and creativity
in our lives. A well-maintained and abundant garden signifies natural fertility
and is associated with sensual pleasure, love and seduction. It suggests that
we are starting to create fertile progress with new ideas, plans and projects.

The arched gateway indicates some kind of initiation or event that will mark a
significant advancement in our lives. It suggests that we will soon receive an
offer that will lead to new opportunities, and this new phase will bring new
responsibilities, new skills and new people into our lives.

The mountains indicate that we will come up against a few obstacles and
challenges on our journey but should manage to conquer them.

On the whole, the Ace of Pentacles symbolises the beginning of prosperity

and successful endeavours through our own efforts, a windfall or a legacy.
Whatever the circumstances, our financial situation is about to greatly
improve. It indicates that it is a good time to take the initiative in all
materialistic and money matters in order to improve our financial situation or
strengthen our sense of security. The Ace of Pentacles signifies a practical,
solid, common sense and realistic approach to life, and with the experiences
that we attract to ourselves will bring benefits as a result of our own sound
and constructive knowledge, skills, and our ability to focus on the job at hand.
This card urges us to make our dreams a reality by attracting the ideas and
means needed to start on our projects in order to reach our goals.

The Ace of Pentacles is related to the number one in numerology and the
earth element in astrology therefore, more information regarding this card can
be found by referring to the sections on Tarot and Numerology and Tarot and
Astrology.

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Interpretation
When the Ace of Pentacles appears in a spread, it indicates that a
moneymaking opportunity is on the way to you. This could be in the form of a
new business venture, project or promotion. Whatever the circumstances,
money is on the way that brings contentment and personal accomplishment
along with it. It can also indicate that you may meet someone influential who
is able to help you with lucrative contacts or pull some strings to put you on
the right path. A project that you are about to start will lead to prosperity and
material security, enabling you to experience true happiness and stability. It
can also indicate that you will receive financial backing for a new business
venture. However, you need to be prepared to work hard and carefully nurture
your new venture to eventually see the fruits of your efforts.

The Ace of Pentacles can sometimes indicate a windfall or a monetary gift

that may keep you on your path for a while. However, it will not be enough to
give you the opportunity to retire, because this card suggests that you will be
sowing the seeds of a project or an idea in order for it to grow. It also indicates
that you may be thinking of improving your health or body and may direct us
to become involved with nature or even farming, or matters connected with
property or estates. Sensual and pleasurable pursuits are important to you
now and you may be taking time out to play, perhaps through making
seductive encounters or wining and dining that special person in your life. This
is a time in your life when you can face the future with optimism and clarity.

Negative
When the Ace of Pentacles is in a negative position suggests that you may
lose money through unsound investments. Maybe your job is bringing in the
money but your heart is not in it, which is making you feel unhappy. You may
be spending too much on food and drink that has led to a decline in your
health, and now you are suffering from fatigue and other related problems.

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People
Those who achieve tangible results. Those who become involved with nature.
Those who are improving their health and body. Those who are seeing their
efforts rewarded and experiencing growth. Hard workers. Those who are
practical and realistic. Those who use their common sense and take
advantage of what works. Those who feel safe and secure. Those who know
that their situation is stable.

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 Two of Pentacles

Key words and phrases: Balancing the finances.

Unexpected expenses. Debt to be paid. Trying to
make ends meet. Too many responsibilities. Moving in
a new direction. Loss of money or income. A need to
budget carefully. Making a financial agreement.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a young man dancing, or
trying to balance two pentacles that are attached by a
cord that forms the same shape as the sign of infinity.
In the distance behind him two ships are trying to navigate the high rolling
waves of an extremely rough sea.

Dancing in some cultures is symbolic of the actions or steps we need to take

to survive the conflict in our lives or the creativity that needs to be put into it. A
frantic solo performance may suggest that some element of our life is
threatening to take us over. It suggests that we need to be more flexible and
go with the flow, and make some space for happiness to come back into our
lives.

Trying to balance something suggests that we need to try and maintain a

mental, emotional or physical equilibrium with whatever difficulties are in our
lives at this time. If our difficulties are financial, such as trying to balance the
books, then we need to consider what resources are available to us now.

The sign of infinity is a symbol that is shaped light the figure eight. It comes
from the Latin infinitas or “unboundedness”. Eternity or infinity has no
boundaries and discontinuity therefore is perpetual. It is also an ancient
Egyptian symbol of eternal life. However, the sign of infinity in this case
refers to time and numbers, indicating financial difficulties and worries. It
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signifies that we feel our financial or money problems seem to be going on
forever. It suggests that we need to make some kind of arrangement to bring
a balance to our finances.

The two ships on the rough sea indicate that we are feeling emotionally
insecure and uncertain of the outcome concerning our difficulties or problems.
They suggest that we are going through a stormy and tempestuous time at
the moment.

On the whole, the Two of Pentacles signifies that we need to bring balance
and harmony to our finances and emotions. It seems that we are in a situation
where we are trying to juggle different elements of our lives in order to keep
our heads above water. It can indicate that our work may take up most of our
time leaving us little time to do anything else, so we end up rushing about
trying to get everything done. It may be that we are studying new skills or in
an apprenticeship that, at the moment, only pays a small salary leaving us
little money to go out and have some fun, but we know that our job prospects
will improve if we stick to the training.

We may be in a situation where we seem to be spending most of our money

on bills or living expenses leaving nothing left for any leisure time, or we may
have so many daily commitments that we are too tired to do anything else.
However, the Two of Pentacles does suggest that we are able to cope with
the ups and downs in our lives and manage to get through it because we have
the energy, endurance and patience.

This card relates to the number two in numerology therefore, by referring to

the section on Tarot and Numerology more information can be found that can
be associated with the Two of Pentacles.

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Interpretation
When the Two of Pentacles appears in a spread, it indicates that your
finances seem to be fluctuating and need to be juggled about to bring them
into balance. Maybe you are thinking of taking on extra work to pay off your
bills. You will need to handle your responsibilities or finances in a more
balanced way and be content with any small or slow improvements rather
than being impatient because you feel that you are not making any progress.
You will need to decide how you are going to approach your circumstances
and how you are going to cope with your situation for a while.

Perhaps you are worried where your life is going, but there is no need to
because it will work out fine as long as you stay focused. Over a short period
of time you will see an improvement to your situation and feel a sense of relief
and harmony within your personal relationships. The balance will be restored,
the pressure will ease off and happiness will be regained, because you have
the ability and the emotional and physical stamina to make it happen and be
successful.

Negative
When the Two of Pentacles appears in a negative position, it indicates that
you may have difficulty or delays in trying to start something new. You may be
living beyond your means and are now finding it difficult to pay your creditors.
Perhaps you may receive some bad news, maybe another debt has to be paid
or some other unexpected expense upsets your financial situation, making
you feel depressed and anxious. The Two of Pentacles suggests that it is
important for you to focus on agreeing a solution with your creditors before it
becomes out of control.

People
Those who are trying to balance their finances and other resources. Those
who are juggling many obligations at once. Those who are trying to cope with
demands.

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 Three of Pentacles

Key words and phrases: Success through effort and

hard work. Mastering an art or a technique. Job
satisfaction. Detailed work. A venture close to your
heart. Appreciated and rewarded skills and abilities.
Recognition. Receiving payment for a job well done.
Home improvements. Original and progressive ideas.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts three figures standing in a
church or monastery. The man standing on the
platform seems to be a stonemason, and the other two figures seem to be a
monk and another man who are discussing the skill and the design the
stonemason has sculpted into the archway.

The church or monastery is a place of sanctuary where we can pray, ask a

higher authority for help, or forget our cares and worries for a short time. It
can symbolise the self, and may be urging us to focus our subconscious mind
on bringing together the elements of our personality and destiny into a perfect
and harmonious whole. This suggests that we are being asked to see our self
as something sacred and of supreme value, and maybe peerless and unique.

The stonemason is a master of skill and creativity who has the ability to
transform a lump of stone into a solid, strong and beautiful work of art. The
stonemason is suggesting that we too can develop and master awesome
skills if we allow ourselves to stay focused on our goals.

The monk can either signify that we have a spiritual guide and mentor, or that
our own self-belief is willing to be guided by the shrewd aspects of ourselves.
The monk can also be our subconscious or intuition urging us to listen and
pay attention to guide us on our path with clarity and purpose.
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The archway signifies that we are building a new phase of life for ourselves in
which we will be learning and developing new skills, taking on new
responsibilities, and meeting new people. However, we will have to put in the
effort because eventually our skills and talents will be put to the test.

On the whole, the Three of Pentacles signifies a venture that has managed to
get off to a good start because of our skill, application and confidence. It
indicates that our efforts are producing great material success through
cooperation, planning and getting the job done. Satisfaction, reward and
recognition may have been achieved but we need to keep on pushing
ourselves and our ideas because there is still a lot of hard work to do.
However, the Three of Pentacles is a card of cooperation so we cannot do it
alone, we need the help of others to reach our goal or to make great things
happen. Everything will work out perfectly if we value the unique contribution
other people have to offer to the project or contract.

This card is related to the number three in numerology therefore, other

information can be found by referring to the section on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Three of Pentacles appears it indicates that your skills, application
and competence are off to a good start. You are proving your ability, meeting
your goals and being recognised as an expert in your field of work. It suggests
success in your career, in business, personal projects and exam results. Your
work and creative ability is now being recognised and earning you high praise.
You are valued for your original and progressive ideas and your efforts, which
gives you a sense of satisfaction and probably financial reward. Perhaps you
are about to apply your skills to creating a comfortable home, which may
involve structural changes or painting and decorating.

Any investments you have made in your personal relationships, the results of
your efforts will begin to materialise and contentment will prevail. Contracts or

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paperwork may need your signature. Through consistent effort you will be
successful in reaching your goals.

Negative
When the Three of Pentacles is in a negative position it can indicate that you
may have too much work for you to handle, or you have bitten off more than
you can chew. Perhaps a project that you were supposed to start on has been
delayed or you are hitting problems on a project that is stopping you from
finishing it within the allocated time. Maybe you need more training or study
before success is attained. More hard work may be needed before you can
reach a specific standard. It can also indicate that you are not making any
progress due to a lack of motivation or direction.

People
Those who work as a team. Those who coordinate with others. Those who
combine their efforts through cooperation with others. Hard workers. Those
who plan and organise their resources. Craftsmen. Those who are competent
and get the job done. Those who can prove their ability and meet their goals.
Those who know what to do and how to do it.

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 Four of Pentacles

Key words and phrases: Financial stability and

security. Saving up. Concerned with financial matters.
Inability to let go of anything. Miserly. Mistrust.
Selfishness. Comfortable material life. Holding on to
your possessions. A transaction. Being overcautious.
Property dealings. Scrooge.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a crowned man sitting on a
stool on the outskirts of a city and seriously holding on
to his pentacles (money), as if to say “this is mine and no one else is getting
their hands on it”.

The crown represents status and recognition. It is an acknowledgement of

our own success and of the goals and achievements we have accomplished
in our life.

The city signifies that we may need to interact better than we are doing at the
moment on an emotional or social level. With the city having many streets
and avenues it may also indicate complex problems that need to be
negotiated in order to give us a clear sense of direction.

Money is a symbol of power and status. It usually signifies something that we

have achieved through hard work. However, holding on to money can mean
that we are feeling insecure or worried that it may run out, but it also suggests
that we may be holding on to our ideas instead of putting them into action.
Other indications are opportunity, materialism, greed, fear of losing something
we value, or a feeling that we are trapped in a rut with nothing or no one to
spend it on.

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On the whole, the Four of Pentacles signifies that we are being overly
concerned with material success and physical possessions. It indicates that
we may be becoming miserly and only interested in gaining money and
material possessions. Hanging on to what we have may provide us with a
feeling of security, but it will also cause us to stagnate and stifle our growth
because we are afraid to take risks out of fear of loss. If we are materially or
financially miserly we are more likely to be emotionally miserly also, turning
our backs on our relationships with friends, colleagues and even the locality
that gave us the opportunity to accumulate our wealth in the first place.

This card can also indicate that with this frame of mind we may be also
closing ourselves off from our creative input and new ideas for growth.
However, the Four of Pentacles can signify that we feel happy and satisfied
with our situation and making the best of things, because we feel that any
speculation may be ill-advised as it might endanger our resources and
security. It suggests that we need to let go of our fears and suspicions and
open our hearts and minds. The Four of Pentacles urges us to listen to the
advice of those who can help us, and try to understand why we are holding on
so tightly.

This card is related to the number four in numerology therefore, more

information can be found by referring to the Tarot and Numerology section in
this book.

Interpretation
When the Four of Pentacles appears it indicates that you are concerned about
your material possessions. You seem to be tightly holding on to your money
and your emotions. We all know that it is important to have financial and
material security but if our main focus is on these things it is unlikely we will
achieve fulfilment and wholeness because other factors are needed in our
lives. Remember the story of Scrooge in A Christmas Carol? You will feel
much happier and good about yourself when you realise that self-worth does

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not just depend on what you possess, it is about sharing what you have and
sharing your feelings. It is not good to become fixated on material
possessions because you will always feel that something is missing in your
life and will probably regret it later. You need to let go of your false sense of
control and reassess yourself and your situation, do not let yourself stagnate.
If you become more flexible and find security within yourself, you will find that
your financial situation will still be stable and secure, your relationships will
improve, and sharing your creative ideas with others will produce more
stability in your life too.

Negative
You may need to keep an eye on your spending before it gets out of hand.
You may have difficulties trying to balance your budget or trying to save
money. Your finances and material possessions are dominating your life. You
are trapping yourself in a world where you feel that nothing is good enough,
therefore nothing can be enjoyed any more.

People
Those who keep hold of what they have. Greedy people. Penny-pinchers.
Those who do not like change. Those who want to maintain control. Those
who worry too much about money. Misers. Those who become stagnated
because of their refusal to share their life with others. Those who are envious
of other people’s accomplishments. Scrooge.

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 Five of Pentacles

Key words and phrases: Loss. Misfortune. Misery.

Loneliness. Poor health. Hardship. Feeling left out in
the cold. Sorrow. Depression. Poverty-stricken.
Destitute. Needy. Unemployed. Suffering. Financial
strain. Broke.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts two unfortunate destitute
figures passing by a brightly-lit stained-glass window
of a church as they walk in the snow on a cold dark
night. These two figures are probably beggars, one of them is walking on
crutches and the other is huddled in old and tattered clothing.

The two destitute figures symbolise anxiety. They suggest that we may be
afraid of losing something that is important to us, such as our job, home or
relationship, which may lead to emotional or physical suffering and pain. It can
also mean that we may feel cut off and alienated from society, or that we are
feeling oppressed, out of place, lost or spurned by someone close to us.

The brightly-lit stained-glass window indicates that light is shining down on

something that we have been in the dark about or has been hidden from us. It
symbolises spiritual illumination and suggests that we will experience a
dawning of inspiration and understanding.

The church is a place of sanctuary where we can pray, ask a higher authority
for help, or forget our cares and worries for a short time. It can symbolise the
self, and may be urging us to focus our subconscious mind on bringing
together the elements of our personality and destiny into a perfect and
harmonious whole. This suggests that we are being asked to see our self as
something sacred and of supreme value, and maybe peerless and unique.
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The snow being frozen rain can indicate coldness, and may suggest that a
relationship has become cold leaving us feeling emotionally overwhelmed,
miserable and sad. A snowstorm may indicate that we are feeling confused,
out of control, and that we have lost direction in our lives.

The dark night can indicate confusion or the depressed and hidden side of
our personality. It can suggest that we have not come to terms with the
Shadow aspect of ourselves. Night can symbolise death, but not necessarily
physical death, it can indicate the death of a situation or relationship and it is
urging us to move on. It also suggests a time when we should be resting and
gathering our strength because our difficulties are coming to an end and a
new day is dawning.

The crutches suggest that we need to ask for help in order to move forward,
or it may mean that we need to support others. It can indicate that we feel that
other people are inadequate for our needs, or that we disapprove of other
people’s deficiencies or weaknesses. If this is the case then we need to
seriously alter our way of thinking. The crutches can also indicate the many
dependencies we have in life, such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco, people or
patterns of behaviour.

The tattered clothing may signify anxiety concerning our appeal or feelings
of inferiority. It suggests that we may have to rid ourselves of negative
attitudes and beliefs. It can also suggest that we may be neglecting some
aspect of our lives or ourselves, which needs to be rectified.

On the whole, the Five of Pentacles signifies that we have fallen on hard
times materially, financially, physically, emotionally or spiritually. It indicates
that we may be so focused on a particular area of our lives that we have
suffered a loss in other areas because we have not paid attention to them. It
suggests that we are finding it hard to cope financially or physically and feel
alone, abandoned and betrayed, and have lost our faith in people because

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they just do not seem to care. However, the Five of Pentacles suggests that
the support we need is not on the outside, it is within ourselves.

The reason why we are probably in this position is primarily because of our
own actions, indicating that we may have good ideas about how to earn
money and improve our situation, but we will not learn how to retain it. It then
leads to losing something precious in our lives, such as our personal
relationships. Therefore, we need to take time out to get in touch with our
inner self or spirituality. If we switch our thoughts to bringing abundance into
our lives then we will be able to appreciate our lives more. We have the ability
and resources, and now it is the time to be willing to make and accept
changes in our lives.

This card is related to the number five in numerology therefore, more

information associated with the Five of Pentacles can be found in the section
on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Five of Pentacles appears in a spread it indicates loss and hardship
in your life and difficulty with trying to move forward. This may have been
caused by being too extravagant when dealing with business matters or
because you have been unemployed for a while. This hardship may have
made you lose faith in yourself and pessimism has set in leaving your
confidence, creativity and self-worth extremely low. However, you need to
know that your circumstances are only temporary and there is a solution to
your dilemma. It may not be easy to sort out, especially if you have gone
through loss or difficulties in your personal relationships. If you are willing to
step back and take a look at your inner self, review your circumstances and
maybe change your attitude, then your situation may transform into something
of lasting value.

383
Negative
When the Five of Pentacles is in a negative position it is telling you that your
loss and hardship is coming to an end and your financial situation is
improving. You have a strong need to make a fresh start in your life, you have
accepted the harsh lessons and you are ready to move forward. Inner balance
and wise management of your finances will bring you happiness.

People
Those who are struggling to make ends meet. Those who have lost their job
or income. Those who are going through a period of hardship. Those who are
suffering ill-health. Those who have been rejected and lack support. Those
who feel lonely.

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 Six of Pentacles

Key words and phrases: Help with finances.

Generosity. A small gift or token of love. Financial
worries. Initiating a new venture. Returning a favour. A
bonus. A loan.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a merchant who is standing
and weighing his money in a pair of scales while two
needy and destitute figures kneel before him. The
kind-hearted merchant evenly distributes some coins into their waiting and
grateful hands.

The merchant indicates the need for an authority figure to help us to manage
our emotional and material resources.

Weighing signifies that we are assessing the worth of something and

deciding what is of value to us. It suggests that we need to weigh up and
decide if it is worth taking a risk in a situation.

The pair of scales is a symbol of justice, balance, truth and wisdom, and
links with the weighing up of our decisions and actions. It suggests that we
may be looking for justice in a situation and to bring balance, harmony and
self-control back in to our lives.

The destitute figures signify anxiety. However they are being given a lifeline,
which suggests that we are beginning to rectify aspects of ourselves that we
have neglected.

On the whole, the Six of Pentacles symbolises giving and receiving. It is not
about how much money we have it is a card of generosity, abundance and
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kindness. Wealth does not make us rich, but compassion and generosity
does. When it relates to money, it is not the money we have earned, it is the
extra money or a bonus given to us in recognition of our efforts or productivity,
or the desire to share our good fortune and success with others. It can also
indicate a gift or a token of love.

The Six of Pentacles suggests that we have learnt to appreciate what we

have and are now in a position to give of ourselves, knowing that what we
communicate from within ourselves will come back to us. If we are always
focusing on our limitations then our vision will be that of limit and lack, but if
we focus on generosity and gratitude we open up to allow more abundance to
enter our lives.

This card is related to the number six in numerology therefore, referring to the
section on Tarot and Numerology will offer more information associated with
the Six of Pentacles.

Interpretation
When the Six of Pentacles appears, it indicates that you may have a desire to
help others by sharing your resources. You may be about to receive money
through an inheritance, a gift, a windfall or from the result of your work, and
you want to share the benefits with others by being charitable, giving gifts or
by being benevolent. It may indicate that someone sees the hidden talents in
you and is in the position to offer you financial backing, possibly to help you to
start on a new business venture that could be very beneficial in the near
future.

The Six of Pentacles also suggests that you may be able to pay off any
outstanding debts. There is a feeling of abundance, a new lease of life,
security and success around you. However, it does urge you not to waste
your resources, and make sure that you take care not to be too generous and
manage your assets and possessions properly. Within your relationships give

386
and take is important right now, so whether you are involved in teamwork or a
business partnership, and even within your personal relationship with your
partner share your resources and be receptive to what they have to offer. It is
time to be generous and also to enjoy the kindness of others.

Negative
When the Six of Pentacles is in a negative position it indicates that there may
be financial loss due to extravagance, carelessness, gambling or just sheer
stupidity. You may be involved in legal matters over money, which may be
related to a divorce or a business arrangement. Perhaps you are feeling
insecure because of a lack of recognition for all the hard work you have put in.
Others may be envious of you and causing unhappiness and distress.
Perhaps you are not feeling charitable or generous because others have let
you down with promises that never happened. Be careful of people taking
advantage of you or involving you in shady deals.

People
Those who donate money to good causes or are able to support others. A
philanthropist. Those who have the knowledge to offer good advice. Those
who have the power to act with authority. Mentors. Those who depend on
others to be taken care of. Those who are taking advice. Those who are not
acquiring what they need. Those who receive a gift or reward. Those who are
learning and receiving information.

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 Seven of Pentacles

Key words and phrases: Gains and profits in the

making. Success as a result of efforts. Financial
success through work or talent. Slow but steady
progress. Reassessing the situation. Unfulfilled
success. Working for nothing. Feel like giving up.
Dissatisfaction. Wasting your time and effort.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a young man leaning on his
hoe in deep thought and gazing at the produce he has
grown.

The hoe is a weeding tool and symbolises the way we feel about our work
and career issues. Weeds can destroy the life of the produce we are
attempting to grow, as well as all the time, effort and nurturing we have
devoted to it in order to make gains. Therefore, weeds may signify that there
are problems in our working life that need to be rooted out. The hoe suggests
that we are aware that it is important to eliminate what is not wanted in our
lives, and perhaps indicates that we may need to rid ourselves of mental
attitudes, old habits, ideas and patterns of behaviour that are choking us and
stopping us from moving forward. It is time to weed out aspects of our lives
that are stifling us.

On the whole, the Seven of Pentacles indicates a situation in which we are

undecided as to the direction we want to take. It signifies that everything is not
going as expected, leaving us feeling unfulfilled, and evaluating the
circumstances of our actions and efforts. The hard work seems to have got us
nowhere and we may be thinking of abandoning what we have done so far
and do something different. Even though we enjoy what we are doing the
monetary gain has been slow and pointless. However, the Seven of Pentacle
388
does suggest that we have made a lot of progress and it would be a shame to
give it all up now because eventually we will see the benefits of our labour.

The Seven of Pentacles also signifies that we must not become complacent,
because so much has already been accomplished we would not want to put
that into jeopardy. Our circumstances may look challenging but we should not
be discouraged. We may need to take some time out to develop fresh ideas
and potential for bringing greater success. As long as we persevere, keep our
focus and maintain our commitment, our plans will eventually take shape and
we will receive the rewards we deserve.

This card is related to the number seven in numerology therefore, more

information associated with the Seven of Pentacles can be found in the
section on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Seven of Pentacles appears in a spread you may feel that you have
been wasting your time and effort on a situation or work project. However, this
is not the case, it is time for you to take stock. You may doubt your ability to
make a success of things, but actually you should be proud of what you have
achieved so far. You are capable of having what you want but cannot afford to
rest on your laurels, or become complacent about what you have achieved so
far. If you persevere and remain focused on your goals the result you are after
will come. Take time out to review the determination and energy needed to
reach your goals and do not make any rash decisions. Carefully think about
your decisions and what the outcome is likely to be before taking action. You
still have further work to do if you want to see a satisfactory outcome. Long-
term plans will eventually pay off, but patience is needed.

Negative
When the Seven of Pentacles is in a negative position, it indicates that your
financial situation is causing depression and anxiety. Your success will desert

389
you if you do not use consistent effort. There may be delays in payments that
may make you feel anxious. Your hard work seems to have got you nowhere,
perhaps it is not worth struggling at the moment and you should wait a while
and try again later. Money worries may be on your mind and maybe you
cannot afford to pay the bills because business is not profitable at the
moment.

People
Those who are reviewing what has been done. Those reflecting on their
progress. Those who are taking stock. Those who are considering a direction
change. Those who are standing at a crossroads. Those who are looking to a
new strategy. Those who are finally seeing some results. Those who are
reaping the rewards. Those who are patient and making plans for the future.

390
 Eight of Pentacles

Key words and phrases: Creation. Gaining new

knowledge or skills. Nose to the grindstone. Making
money. Many gifts and skills. Education. Promotion.
Apprenticeship. Making a profitable investment.
Material security.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a young man learning his
apprenticeship to become a stonemason. As we can
see he has repeatedly carved the pentacles in the
stone discs in order to perfect his skill. He seems to have been very
productive by the amount that are hung on the tree and on the floor beside
him.

An apprenticeship signifies that we are learning new higher abilities and

skills. It suggests that we are moving away from our routine and ordinary way
of life into specific areas of knowledge and awareness. An apprenticeship
indicates that we are about to begin a powerful learning curve where our hard
work and perseverance will bring rewards and recognition. It suggests that we
may be offered a promotion due to our dedication and achievements.

A stonemason is a master of skill and creativity who has the ability to

transform a lump of stone into a solid, strong and beautiful work of art. The
stonemason is suggesting that we too can develop and master awesome
skills if we allow ourselves to stay focused on our goals.

On the whole, the Eight of Pentacles signifies that we are progressing in doing
something we are passionate about. It suggests that we are totally absorbed
in the work we do and thankful for the skills we have at our disposal. It often
implies a time of great diligence, focus and attention to detail. This may
391
indicate an urge to take on a course of study, research or an apprenticeship to
develop new skills or obtain qualifications. It will take hard work and
extraordinary effort to obtain them, but the knowledge and skills we acquire
will make us better equipped to reach our goals. It also indicates the need for
meticulous detail by ensuring everything is as it should be. The Eight of
Pentacles is about caring and taking the time to check the smallest details
and not be slapdash about it. We reap what we sow therefore we need to
work diligently each day towards our goals.

This card is related to the number eight in numerology therefore, other

information associated with the Eight of Pentacles may be found in the section
on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Eight of Pentacles appears in a spread it indicates that you feel a
personal satisfaction from putting your talents, skills and abilities to good use.
Perhaps you are developing new skills or adding to your education in order to
gain qualifications in an apprenticeship or other higher studies. The skills you
learn now will eventually turn out to be profitable for you. Maybe you have
started a new job or have been offered a promotion, or dedicating yourself to
a project that you are passionate about, it may be a hobby that is producing
steady results that could lead to a financially rewarding profession. Whatever
your situation, you may not receive much financial reward at the moment, but
through hard work, effort, dedication, skill, ability and patience, you can work
towards a long-awaited goal and look forward to future rewards.

Negative
When the Eight of Pentacles is in a negative position, it indicates that you may
be worrying that your plans will fail. You may be lacking in confidence to
perform or doubting your ability and incentive to carry on. Maybe you have
lost your job because you are lagging behind on production or your potential.
Perhaps you have become impatient and because you want success to come

392
quickly you have been slapdash in your work, which has damaged your
reputation and the quality of your work. You may have been caught cheating
in your exams, or financially caught out for income that has not been
declared.

People
Those who are diligent and putting in the effort. A good worker. Those who
are absorbed in a project and producing steady results. Those who are
increasing their knowledge by taking a course or learning a new craft or skill.
An apprentice. A student. Those who pay attention to detail. A skilled
specialist. Those who approach a task methodically.

393
 Nine of Pentacles

Key words and phrases: A healthy and stable

situation. Material comfort. A restful situation. A
reassuring situation. Well deserved success.
Prosperity. Solitary achievement. Relying on yourself.
Working alone. Femininity. Safety. Security. Love of
nature. Prosperous property negotiations.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a wealthy and elegant woman
standing alone in the vineyard of her estate. She has
a falcon perched on her gloved left hand, and her manor house can be seen
in the distance.

These days wealth is symbolised by where we live, the décor of our home,
the amount of electronic equipment and state-of-the-art technology we use,
what kind of car we drive, what we wear, perhaps what we eat, and our social
position. Wealth and status has come a long way from the days, in some
cultures, when it was the amount of beads we had around our neck to indicate
our standing in the social arena. Therefore, the wealthy and elegant woman
depicted on this card may indicate the amount of resources we have or are
able to use.

Being alone in this case may relate to issues of independence. It all boils
down to whether our temperament can deal with being alone, or are we
mistaking it for loneliness? If we are alone and happy then it suggests that we
are positive and comfortable with our independence. This card suggests
wholeness, completeness and self-sufficiency, however maybe something is
missing in her life and perhaps therefore is suggesting that we feel a need for
someone in our lives, or we need to be more self-sufficient or self-reliant.

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The vineyard is a symbol of fertility, sexuality and spirituality. It suggests that
our situation may become a little more prosperous and pleasurable as new life
is injected into it.

The estate and manor house suggests a need to widen our horizons or
capabilities and establish ourselves more firmly and make our mark on the
world. However, it can also indicate that we have taken on more than we can
cope with and the situation has become very stressful.

The falcon suggests freedom and hope for those of us who are being
restricted in any way. It indicates that we can now see the bigger picture
instead of tying ourselves down with minor details. The falcon is a bird of prey
and like the eagle it likes to be in a dominating position, therefore can also
signify triumph over lust, or triumph over the control imposed by someone
else.

The gloved hand suggests that we may feel the need to protect ourselves, or
that a situation needs to be carefully handled at the moment. Others may not
be considering our feelings, therefore it indicates that we need to be more
assertive and not show any vulnerability.

On the whole, the Nine of Pentacles signifies that we are now in a position to
enjoy the comfort and pleasure from what we have been able to achieve. We
realise that all is well and there is nothing to worry about because we have
everything we need, and feel proud for what we have accomplished. It
indicates that we are content with our own company and enjoying the good
things in life. We have a sense of self-worth and self-sufficiency, and happy in
the knowledge that we have earned the position we are in now. We feel
satisfied and complete and do not need the approval of others. The Nine of
Pentacles signifies that we are in a healthy and stable situation.

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This card relates to the number nine in numerology therefore, more
information associated with the Nine of Pentacles can be found in the section
on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Nine of Pentacles appears, it suggests that you are able to relax
now that the hard work has been done. Everything has gone according to plan
and you can now reap the benefits. You feel happy, secure and proud of your
achievements. It suggests that you have hit a high point on a material and
financial level, money is no longer a worry to you and there are no demands
being made on you. You may be thinking of buying a new car or new furniture,
you deserve it so why not? The Nine of Pentacles also indicates a love of
nature and you may feel like working with it in some way, such as growing
your own produce. You do not need to rely on others anymore because you
are able to support yourself. You are making good use of your resources and
your sense of self-worth is strong. You are in full control of your abilities and
resources, which you are now able to use to assist others if need be.

Negative
When the Nine of Pentacles is in a negative position, it warns against
carelessness or putting too much trust in your available means. Bad
management or risky investments may lead to an important project becoming
financially unstable. Perhaps you are feeling lonely or bored, be very careful if
you are thinking of entering into a new relationship as they might be attracted
by your wealth. You may be having problems with some issues regarding a
property.

People
Those who are disciplined and exercise self-control. Those who rely on
themselves and their own resources. Those who have achieved a comfortable
lifestyle. Those who are tactful and diplomatic. Those who enjoy leisure and

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the good things in life. A refined person with sound business sense. A lover of
nature and animal life.

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 Ten of Pentacles

Key words and phrases: Home and family matters.

Strong family ties. Material and financial advantages.
Acquiring the benefits of your work. Financial gain and
security. Social status. Inheritance. Starting a family.
Property and business deals. Good sound advice.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts the male head of the family
sitting with his two dogs while two other members of
the family, a man and a woman, stand happily talking
to each other under the archway to their settlement. A young child is peeking
around the woman, who is probably the mother, and trying to pet one of the
dogs while keeping an eye on the old man. On the archway is a coat of arms,
and the pentacles on this card form the positions of the spheres on the
Kabbalistic Tree of Life (which is explained in the section on the Tarot and the
Kabbalah).

The male head of the family or old man signifies the Self for a male, or the
Animus for a female. It relates to the aspects of ourselves that carries
authority, wisdom and compassion. He represents tradition, masculine
maturity, the father figure, and the innate wisdom within us all.

The two dogs signify devoted, loyal and close friendships. They suggest that
we can trust those around us to be faithful, loyal and protective. Dogs are
sociable animals, therefore may indicate that we might need to make more of
an effort to socialize with other people. Sometimes dogs may signify
someone we are finding hard to get rid of and who may cause trouble if we
try.

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The other members of the family suggest that we have reached a period in
our life where we are looking for security and maybe even to “settle down”.
This “settling down” may indicate setting up home with a partner, adopting a
new lifestyle or fulfilling a wish. In other words being settled within ourselves,
desiring stability and knowing what we want.

The young child indicates our potential for development through new
experiences. It is suggesting that it may be a good idea to tap into the passion
and natural drive that a child has when we are facing difficulties.

The woman or mother may indicate, for a female, an aspect of her own
disposition that has not yet been fully integrated. For a man it signifies how he
relates to his female partner, his own feelings and his intuition. She indicates
that it is a time for nurturing and supporting.

The man may indicate the arrival of a new friend or lover into our life. He can
also indicate an aspect of ourselves, whether we are male or female.

The coat of arms symbolises clan or family solidarity and unity, and possibly
corporation in business.

The archway symbolises that we are moving into a new phase of life in which
we will be taking on new responsibilities, meeting new people and learning
new skills.

On the whole, the Ten of Pentacles signifies material success, satisfaction

and comfort together with a happy and secure family life. This card has a
sense of permanence and security indicating an urge for stability in our lives.
This may be through marriage, starting a family or basically settling and
putting down roots. It indicates that we have achieved something and are
completely satisfied in the knowledge that we can now enjoy material,
emotional and spiritual abundance and security on a long-term basis. There is

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also a feeling of belonging with the Ten of Pentacles because it indicates
family stability, support, happy gatherings and practical help, suggesting that
we can rely on them if we are going through a difficult period. Sometimes it
indicates a house move or an inheritance.

This card is related to the number ten in numerology therefore, information

associated with the Ten of Pentacles may be found by referring to the section
on Tarot and Numerology.

Interpretation
When the Ten of Pentacles appears in a spread suggests that you have
reached a stage in your life where you can enjoy material security and
emotional abundance that has been obtained by completing something
through your hard work. You can be assured of financial prosperity and
security in your personal affairs and you may enjoy recognition in your field of
work. You have a good family life and enjoy the relationship you have
throughout the whole generations of your family.

Sometimes it indicates an inheritance and suggests that you may carry on a

family tradition through marriage. In relationships you may be ready to
establish your own family in order to strengthen your sense of self-worth. The
Ten of Pentacles also suggests that you are now able to use your skills and
resources to help others. Investments in property and business will prove to
be profitable now, and any business trips will be successful. You are in a good
position and can now relax with the fact that you have created something
long-lasting.

Negative
When the Ten of Pentacles appears in a negative position it indicates that
your family may be putting too many responsibilities on you, which leads to
arguments and disputes. Bad investments may lead to financial loss or there
may be a delay in money that is owed to you. You may be feeling

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unappreciated or taken for granted. Perhaps you are trying to base your self-
worth on other people’s wealth, attitude or behaviour rather than expressing
your own creativity or true self.

People
Those who have material abundance and free from financial problems. Those
who are successful in business and are financially secure. Those who
concern themselves with permanence and long-term security. Those who
have a strong and established family life. Those who follow convention. Those
who stay within established guidelines and become part of the Establishment.

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 Page of Pentacles

Key words and phrases: Financial help. Good news

concerning money and finances. Studious. Ambitious.
Opportunities concerning education. Opportunity to
increase your income. Professionally inclined. Starting
a new business. Successful business venture. Slow
and steady progress. Apprenticeship. Research.
Documents. Willing to learn. Paperwork. Negotiations.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a young man standing in a
rich and fertile landscape staring intently at the pentacle he is holding. There
is a ploughed field in the valley below him and a mountain in the distance.

The rich and fertile landscape signifies that we are in touch with our own
unconstrained and natural feelings. It suggests that new opportunities for
personal growth are coming our way. A rich and fertile landscape may also
indicate that we are thinking about our lifestyle, perhaps we feel that we are
being tied down with routine and conventional traditions or taboos and have a
desire for freedom or getting close to nature.

The ploughed field signifies that we are ready for new growth and change,
and may be in the process of creating a new opportunity for ourselves.

The valley is a strong symbol of female sexuality relating to the breasts and
the more nurturing aspect of our personalities. It can indicate tranquillity and
contentment, and suggests that we are independent of thought and
adventurous. A valley also signifies that a project we are working on will be
successful, resulting in prosperity.

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The mountain suggests that we will come up against obstacles and
challenges but we will get there in the end as long as we stay focused on our
goals.

On the whole, the Page of Pentacles represents a young person who is

conscientious, thrifty, capable and diligent. This is someone who may not
have a lot of money but has great prospects, maybe a student with a sense of
duty and understanding of the importance of learning. Through careful
attention, diligence and practical application this young person is working
towards his/her goals. This person may actually seem more mature and
sensible for their age, and very dependable, reliable and a person we can
trust and value.

As a situation, it is one that has just started. This could be in the form of a new
job, a hobby that could prove to be profitable or some good news that has a
significant impact on our lives. The Page of Pentacles focuses our attention
on striving to attain our goals, on our position in the world, and the way we
earn our living. It suggests that we have the ability to organise and
concentrate on our resources, and urges us to seek responsibility on all levels
and establish ourselves practically.

The Page of Pentacles is associated with the zodiacal sign of Capricorn

therefore, more information about this card can be found by referring to the
section on the Court Cards and Astrology.

Interpretation
When the Page of Pentacles appears in a spread it suggests that you are not
bringing in much money at the moment but may be trying to find an intelligent
way to increase you finances. You may be about to start a new job that has
good prospects. It does signify that you will realise your ambitions and status
as a result of your integrity, dependability, practical common sense, frugality,
perseverance and hard work. Someone may help you to make a change for

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the better by showing you a new approach to your situation or circumstances.
Listen to what is being advised and act upon it, because it may become useful
and open you up to new ideas. You may decide that you want to go into
further education or learn a new skill of some kind to enhance your career
prospects. Long-term rewards are promised as long as you learn to be self-
disciplined, and organise and concentrate on taking care of your material and
physical resources, and listen to any advice that may be useful.

Negative
When the Page of Pentacles is in a negative position it warns against a loss of
prestige through a lack of self-discipline or a proper sense of responsibility.
There may be setbacks as a result of failure to seize opportunities through
shyness, through shirking obligations or through neglecting to make adequate
preparations. You may be unable to attract support because of a narrow,
pessimistic and self-centred outlook.

People
A young person who takes learning and material achievements seriously. A
student. Those who make their plans real and achieve tangible results.
Someone you can count on. Those who are practical and use their common
sense. Those who take a realistic approach and find a solution that works.
Those who stick to their commitments and establish credibility. Those who
can be trusted and have faith in others. Those who have the ability to be
prosperous. A hard worker.

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 Knight of Pentacles

Key words and phrases: Good news where finances

are concerned. Steady but sure work. Reliable.
Extremely dependable and careful. Trustworthy.
Easy-going, intelligent and likeable. Patient,
hardworking and clever with material things. New
experiences. Travel for business. Methodical. Loyalty.
Thorough. Attention to detail. Practical.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts an armoured knight sitting on
a strong and sturdy black shire-horse. They have come to a temporary halt in
the rolling hills of the countryside while he takes time out to thoughtfully
examine the pentacle he is holding.

This armoured knight signifies that we are determined to stand our ground
and will do things by the book without taking any risks, and work solidly and
steadily towards our goals. He is suggesting that through trust, honesty,
perseverance and hard work we will gain honour and respect. The armour
signifies that we are protecting our ideas, tradition and future conventional
ideals.

The shire-horse is a heavy powerful type of horse that was bred to pull
heavy loads. It was used in the fields to pull the ploughs, and used in
medieval times to ride into battle because of its height and sheer weight, plus
the fact that it sounded like rolling thunder when it was charging towards the
enemy. These days the shire-horse is used to pull traditional draught beer
drays. This shire-horse signifies controlled strength, stamina and virility, and
is suggesting that we are making ponderous but meaningful progress. The
black shire-horse represents the excitable side of our nature, but also
suggests materialisation, pessimism and judgement. In ancient Egypt the
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colour black was the colour of resurrection and eternal life and a symbol of
power and authority. It is suggesting that we “take the reins” and assume
control of a situation. It also indicates travel in the near future.

The rolling hills suggest that we are facing obstacles and hoping that we will
be able to meet the challenges. They also relate to the female breasts and the
nurturing aspect of our personality.

On the whole, the Knight of Pentacles represents a conventional and practical

young man who leaves nothing to chance. He accepts responsibility and is
not afraid of hard work. He is trustworthy and steadfast and his solid, common
sense and industrious approach to life, along with the experiences he attracts
to himself, will bring benefits as a result of his own sound and constructive
knowledge of technique. He has most likely to have developed his skills
through his adherence to traditional methods and through his ability to keep
plodding along at the job in hand. He enjoys material possessions and
sensual pleasures, and manifests good health and vitality.

The Knight of Pentacles signifies endurance and constancy rather than

passion. It suggests that we should embody some of his qualities of steadily
pushing ourselves along getting things done as he does, while not forgetting
to connect with the everyday pleasures of life. It may be a call to awaken our
dormant passionate self, but it does indicate that we will have long-term
benefits related to our career, business or investments.

The Knight of Pentacles is associated with the astrological element of earth

therefore, more information can be found by referring to the section on the
Court Cards and Astrology.

Interpretation
When the Knight of Pentacles appears you may be in a situation where you
need to call on an adviser to help you with a business or financial transaction.

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What steps you take are entirely up to you, because as a result of you being
extremely dependable and careful you may be afraid to take the risk, so follow
your gut reaction and do what you think is right. You are hard-working, patient
and rather conventional and have the ability to move tenaciously towards a
goal. Life may be a little bit boring at present but slow and steady progress will
assure success, and your diligent hard work and determination will pay off at
the end of the day.

You may meet an easygoing, intelligent and likeable person and enjoy his/her
company or take a trip with someone you like or love. There may be good
news regarding a pay rise or promotion. If life is slow at the moment, in time
you will get your wish and your desires will be realised. Honest labour and
secure investments will bring money to you, and success will come through
hard work, perseverance and dependability. Your relationships will also be
stable and loyal.

Negative
When the Knight of Pentacles is in a negative position there may be setbacks
due to an over-conservative attitude, a stolid unimaginative approach and a
lack of technical and executive ability and practical skill. You may have some
kind of legal loss due to a careless attitude. Perhaps your confidence and
bank balance is low just now, business is bad and you are finding it hard to
get credit.

People
Those who are unwavering in their pursuit of a goal. Those who are cautious
and proceeds slowly and carefully. Those who are thorough and take care of
every detail and never leaves a job half done. Those who are realistic, willing
to look at the facts and predicts any problems in advance. Those who are
hard-working, diligent and industrious, and when dedicated to a task is tireless
and unflagging.

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Those who can be obstinate and must have their own way. Those who are too
conservative, afraid to take a risk and misses chances through waiting. Those
who can be obsessive and do not know when to give up. Those who are
pessimistic, concentrates on what is wrong and dooms a project from the
start. Those who forget that life should involve a little fun.

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 Queen of Pentacles

Key words and phrases: Realistic and practical.

Organisation. Confident. Hospitable. Good business
sense. Prosperous. Hardworking. Practicality.
Security. Successful. Common sense. Responsibility.
Good financial management. Putting order into
accounts. Shrewd. Material benefits. Sensuality.
Family values.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a queen sitting on her throne
in a beautiful lush landscape while lovingly holding a pentacle on her lap. She
is wearing red, white and green robes, and her throne is decorated with the
head of a goat, Cupid and fruit sculptures, and a rabbit rests at the left of her
as she sits under a bower of roses.

The throne is a seat of power and authority in both the worldly and spiritual
realms, and acknowledges our right to take authority and control.

The beautiful lush landscape signifies that we are in touch with our
unconstrained and natural feelings. It suggests that we have new
opportunities for personal growth coming our way. It may also indicate that we
are thinking about our lifestyle, perhaps we feel tied to routine and
conventional traditions or taboos and have a desire for freedom or getting
close to nature.

The red robes are associated with life and warmth, love and fertility, but also
danger, anger and aggression. They suggest that our feelings are passionate
and indicate an intense drive for achievement and success.

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The white robes represent status and power. They symbolise innocence,
spiritual purity and wisdom, and are associated with warmth, love and also
protection, either physical or emotional or the spiritual protection of faith.

The green robes are associated with equilibrium and compatibility. They
suggest new beginnings, new personal growth, new developments in our
personality and opening up to new methods of self-expression.

The goat’s head is a symbol of our earthy, sexual side, and suggests that we
may have the chance to flaunt this because it indicates a new and passionate
love affair may be just around the corner. A goat has the ability to climb and
reach the pinnacle of mountains and suggests that we will eventually reach
our goals through our determination and ambition.

Cupid is a symbol of love and desire. It suggests that we are searching for a
union with someone or something, which may be in the form of more authority
and recognition in our career, or a desire to unite with someone close and
move into a relationship with them.

The fruit sculptures signify fertility, reproduction and growth, as well as

readiness, eroticism and sensuality. Fruit can also signify the fruitfulness of
our maturing subconscious mind.

The rabbit as we obviously know is a symbol of fertility, creativity and

abundance because of their prolific nature. However, because of their trickster
associations with stories such as Brer Rabbit and the Hare and the Tortoise it
indicates that we may surprise those around us with our ability to be
innovative, which may lead to success and promotion.

The bower of roses symbolises love, purity and beauty. A rose is a symbol
of the heart, of perfection, and of sacred, romantic and sensual love. It

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suggests that love is in the air and perhaps even a marriage. It may also
indicate the beauty of nature and life as it should be, or how we want it to be.

On the whole, the Queen of Pentacles signifies a mature woman who is

creative, intelligent, sensible, practical and sensuous. She is charitable and
thoughtful, and applies her qualities within her family and business matters.
This woman works hard and is very good when she is working with intricate
details. She likes organisation and everything to be in order, and makes plans
to make sure that she gets the right results. She is so conscientious that she
keeps a tight reign on things in order to make sure that she does not run into
any difficulties with her finances or other resources, and has the ability to
prevent any errors or catastrophes that many others would not have foreseen.

The Queen of Pentacles is dutiful, loyal and proud of her family, and will
spend time and attention to make sure her home is comfortable and nice. She
is very considerate and perceptive, and if we have any problems she will
happily try to console and calm us and offer sensible advice that would be
wise to take on board. This woman is successful in business, and can usually
be found in a job where she has the opportunity to use her critical and
analytical faculties, and where attention to detail and problem solving is
needed. She gets around every obstacle and comes up with what is needed.
This card invites us to think and feel as she does because some of her
qualities will benefit us just now.

The Queen of Pentacles is associated with the zodiacal sign of Virgo

therefore, more information is available that relates to this queen by referring
to the section on the Court Cards and Astrology.

Interpretation
When the Queen of Pentacles appears in a spread it indicates that you need
to show how organised and accurate you can be. It is time to put some order
into your resources and take control of your financial and material matters. Be

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more self-sufficient and use your money and other resources constructively
and creatively. A job that involves helping others may bring you financial
rewards because the Queen of Pentacles suggests that you have a good
head for business and an ability to manage other people. It suggests that your
organisational skills are brilliant and you are able to make intricate and fiddly
tasks work to bring chaos into order.

The Queen of Pentacles can also indicate that you may meet someone like
her who is good with business matters or successful in his/her chosen field of
work. This person likes the good things in life and happy to share his/her
wellbeing with you or offer some valuable advice that could prove
advantageous. The Queen of Pentacles’ special energy has meaning for you
now or it may be wise to adopt some of her characteristics. As far as
relationships are concerned, sensual pleasure, contentment, mutual support
and security is indicated.

Negative
When the Queen of Pentacles is in a negative position it suggests that you
may be overindulging in the good things in life and it may be a good time to
take care of your health and your body by starting a new diet or taking on an
exercise programme. You may need to be aware of someone who is behaving
suspiciously and is not trustworthy. It suggests that you may be worrying for
no reason whatsoever, which is counterproductive to your health and work.
You may have a tendency to be cunning and cold-blooded in your quest to
attain what you want, and may criticise the actions of others and analyse their
motives. It urges you to adopt a team spirit rather than trying to do it all on
your own. Perhaps you are doubting your abilities, which is making you feel
insecure and stifling your progress.

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People
Those who are nurturing and give love and support. Those who create a
warm, secure environment. Those who are concerned with the welfare of
others. A capable woman who is a mother and businesswoman. Those who
are big-hearted and will do any service for others. Those who are down-to-
earth and allows others to be themselves. Those who are resourceful and
finds a use for whatever is at hand. Those who work hard for material
success. A businesswoman. Those who are trustworthy to keep their word
and secrets. Those who are loyal and steadfast.

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 King of Pentacles

Key words and phrases: Reliable. Practical.

Disciplined. Hardworking. Leadership. Favourable
business deals. Ambitious. Shrewd. Management.
Investment. Business and financial ability.
Organisational skills. Common sense. Earned
success. Perseverance. Success through effort.
Dealing. Negotiation. Communication. Content.

Symbolic Meaning
The Waite deck depicts a king sitting on his throne
while holding a sceptre in his right hand and a pentacle in his left. He is
wearing black and red robes that is decorated with grapes and vine leaves
and his throne has sculpted bulls’ heads adorning it, which is sited in front of a
large castle.

The throne is a seat of power and authority in both worldly and spiritual
realms. It is acknowledging our right to take authority and control.

The sceptre is a symbol of authority and rulership. Originally it was a symbol

of male fertility, but now it implies royal or divine power and has been used as
a symbol of imperial or kingly position. The sceptre can indicate our right to
use our authority, and also signifies the transference of divine power from
above.

The black and red robes may be a symbol of power and authority to this
king, but in the West the wearing of black is associated with death and
mourning. However, in early times the bodies of the dead were stained with
red ochre to symbolise blood and the connection to earth. In ancient Egypt,
black was the colour of resurrection and eternal life, because new life was
seen as emerging out of the darkness. It is associated with the mother
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goddess and fertility when it is linked with red, the colour of blood, which
signifies life, strength, power, dynamism, vitality and sensuality. It suggests
that we have intense emotions and drive for survival, goals and achievement,
but may be stifling our passionate feelings. The black and red robes can
also represent that we are accessing deeper into our spiritual side.

The grapes and vine leaves are a symbol of fertility, sexuality and
spirituality. They suggest that our situation may become more prosperous and
pleasurable as new life is injected into it.

The sculpted bulls’ heads symbolise masculinity and assertiveness, and

also virility, sexual passion and creative power. However we may need to try
and steer clear of the negative side of the bull, for example, “a bull in a
china shop”, which is destructive and angry.

The castle may suggest a need to expand our horizons or capabilities, and to
establish ourselves more solidly and make a bolder statement to the world
about ourselves. However, we just need to be sure that we do not take on
more than we can handle.

On the whole, the King of Pentacles is practical, patient, reliable and

tenacious. He attains financial and emotional stability and security through his
persistent and methodical quality of seeing things through to the end. He is
enterprising and adept, and uses his skills and practical knowledge
competently to reach his goals. He finds opportunity everywhere and is able
to mould his material, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual resources to
consolidate his financial position and add to his material possessions, as he
likes to have nice things around him. However, if someone close is
experiencing difficulty he is more than willing to help out in any way he can.

The King of Pentacles loves working and has good business acumen, and
also not afraid to get his hands dirty. He has no difficulty with attracting

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followers in business, projects or other movements, and will usually use his
good judgement and intuition when employing them. It is important for him to
have a happy and harmonious partnership because he needs to put down
roots and establish his own family. He is ambitious but may not like taking
risks, and usually stays in the same job. He is very good at handling financial
matters, to which he may direct his skills when seeking a career. Routine is a
necessity to him, and change or uncertainty may make him feel
uncomfortable. This king is urging us to take on some of his characteristics as
they may be of benefit to us just now.

The King of Pentacles is associated with the zodiacal sign of Taurus

therefore, more information related to this card can be found by referring to
the section on the Court Cards and Astrology.

Interpretation
When the King of Pentacles appears, it indicates that someone may enter
your life who is ambitious and gifted in dealing or negotiating in financial,
property or business matters. This person may offer some valuable advice
that will help you to achieve your goals. Alternatively, it may indicate that you
must take the responsibility as to how you make good use of your resources.
Practicality, organisation and self-sufficiency are needed if you are to start a
new venture, or if you are making financial investments in order to achieve
long-lasting stability and security. However, your prospects look promising to
attain prosperity and for developing something that will endure.

The King of Pentacles suggests that a promotion or a pay rise is possible and
property matters go well. Be careful not to become too involved in business
that your personal relationships suffer. Try to balance your family and friend’s
needs with your innate capacity to manage your business and financial
concerns successfully. Your patience and persistence will be rewarded. You
have what it takes to reach a successful outcome. Put your creativity and new
ideas to the test.

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Negative
When the King of Pentacles is in a negative position you may need to deal
with a miserly bully who is always conscious of his own interests. You may be
being too possessive with your partner, which may destroy the relationship.
Perhaps you are being too stubborn over a business matter and will not see
reason. Learn to appreciate what you have and do not become greedy.

People
Those who are enterprising and can take an idea and make it work. A
manager and businessperson. A banker. Those who are preoccupied with
financial matters. A stockbroker. An investor. A financier. Those who are
adept, have a wide range of natural abilities and skilful with their hands. A
property developer. Those who work with the land. Those who are reliable,
dependable and meet all their commitments and promises. Those who
support and encourage the accomplishments of others. Those who are ready
to jump in and help and give generously of their time and attention. Those
who are steady and work towards a goal with firm resolve.

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 The Spreads

What is a Spread?
The layout of the cards is called a spread.
Learning how to read a spread will take some
time before you become fluent, understand their
meanings and their positions in the pattern of
the spread. After studying each card and its
symbolism start by trying to understand what a
single card is trying to say to you. First of all,
start by shuffling the cards while asking a
question or asking for guidance. Next, cut the
cards with your left hand into three piles and choose a card that you feel
drawn to from one of the piles, either by taking the top card or by fanning out
that pile and pulling out a card. The left hand is said to represent the spiritual
and subconscious.

Preparing for a Reading

After you have learnt the traditional meanings of the Tarot, you should
eventually be able to give the cards your own distinctive individual
interpretations. Using the Tarot cards can help you to improve your intuition or
psychic awareness and the more practise you put in, the stronger it will
become. Eventually you will be able to gain insight into past events and future
circumstances to which you can give advice.

If you are feeling agitated or distracted it will be difficult to focus on the

reading. Therefore it is important to create the right atmosphere and an
ordered and established routine. This will provide a secure framework in
which to work and will make you feel more relaxed and confident. Remember
most people will come to you for advice concerning their problems or issues,
you are their consultant, much like when you go to the doctor for advice on

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issues concerning your health. The setting and ambience that needs to be
created should be conducive of a consultation.

Setting the Scene

Ideally you will need to create a quiet and peaceful atmosphere with no
outside distractions. Take a few moments to attune yourself before you start
to read the cards, perhaps by taking a few deep breaths and going into a
short meditation technique to open yourself to spiritual guidance. The next
chapter will guide you through some of these techniques. If you like you can
also light a candle or burn some incense, or maybe some crystals may enable
you to keep your focus, however anything that has a special meaning for you
will be fine.

Asking a Question
When the stage is set, the querent (the person who is consulting the cards)
may want to ask a question. However, not everyone will ask a question,
especially if they are sceptical of the reader’s psychic ability, and sometimes
the querent may ask about something that is not really related to their issues.
This may be because they are afraid to confront or express their worries, or
should I say fear a confirmation of what they know is worrying them and will
have to face reality. An intuitive reader however, is usually able to offer
sensitive advice to solve the dilemma. If the querent does want to ask a
question try to get them to ask an open one rather than a question that
requires a yes or no answer, or questions that begin with “how long will or
when will?” Try to urge the querent to start with “what are the issues, how can
I overcome or what is the best way to?” kind of questions.

I ask the querent to shuffle the cards while concentrating on their question.
With the querent actually holding the cards and shuffling them connects
him/her with their subconscious mind. I then ask the querent to cut the deck
into three piles with his/her left hand, stack them all together again in
whatever way he/she wants to, then ask their question. Because the querent

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has influenced his/her own spread the Tarot will now answer the question,
everything connected to it, the issues that are working for and against the
querent, and offer advice on the best way to move forward.

Answering a Question
You should not offer information to the querent as the absolute truth, or that a
situation or state of mind does not involve any choice. A Tarot reading does
not give an absolute outcome or give all the answers it only gives you a
perspective into the querent’s situation. It is then up to you to sensitively offer
advice on their situation. If the querent is going through difficulties, then
looking at all of the cards will usually offer you more information to the reason
for the querent’s present circumstances and possibly an avenue to offer
advice. You must always try to put yourself in the querent’s position.

Practice
The secret of understanding the Tarot is to be receptive to what the
symbolism is telling you. After you have learnt the traditional interpretations of
the cards, concentrate on the symbolism of each one or even step into the
scene on the card, then you will start to connect with your subconscious mind
and see what lies beneath the surface meaning. Practise this by shuffling the
cards and ask a question, then cut the cards and draw one out. You may be
surprised to learn that through its symbolic language you may have chosen
the exact card that will reflect on your particular question or situation. Try to
practise as much as you can and with friends if possible.

Shuffling the Tarot Cards

Before you begin a spread shuffle the cards well. I do not use reversed cards
in a spread because I believe that the Tarot should be shown as they were
originally made, and besides that, there are enough negative or unfavourable
meanings in the upright cards to give an accurate reading. However, if you
favour reversed cards that is fine too, but if you do not want to use reversed
meanings you will have to make sure that you keep all the cards in an upright

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position while shuffling them. After shuffling the Tarot cards give the deck to
the querent to shuffle and ask him/her to think of a question while doing so.
Then ask the querent to cut the deck into three piles with his/her left hand and
place them face down in front of him/her. After this has been done, ask the
querent to put the three piles back together again in any way he/she chooses
and hand them back to you.

Dealing the Tarot Cards

When dealing the cards take them one at a time from the top of the deck and
lay them face down until you have the appropriate number according to the
pattern of your spread. Turn the cards face up while being careful to turn them
over from side to side, because if you turn them over from end to end the
cards will be in a reversed position.

Analysing the Spread

Before you begin a reading, take a moment to study all the cards in your
spread in order to see how they relate to each other as a whole. Do any of the
cards relate to your question? Are you wary of cards that look unpleasant? Is
the overall feeling of the spread happy or disappointing? Are there many
Major Arcana cards? Does one particular suit dominate the spread? Is there a
strong presence of court cards? You could study them for ages, but obviously
this is not practical. Allow your intuition to draw out the meaning of the cards
while keeping in mind their position and how they interrelate with the other
cards in the spread.

Reading the Tarot Cards

When reading a Tarot spread you will be forming the answer to your question.
I do this by forming a story in my head that relates to the querent’s spread,
question and circumstances. I first look to see how many Major Arcana cards
appear and if there are three or more, I know that there is soon going to be
big changes around the querent. Then I look to see if there is an even balance
of each suit or does one particular suit dominate.

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Court cards can indicate how many people may be involved in the querent’s
situation and the zodiacal birth sign they may be, or the characteristics they
are likely to have. However, the Court cards can indicate an event that has
happened or will happen during the period of the Court card’s zodiacal sign.
Court cards can also signify that there may be a need for the querent to adopt
some of the qualities or characteristics of the Court cards to assist his/her
self-development.

Be aware of the cards that repeat the numerical value because this will
connect with the Tarot and Numerology section of this book and add more
clarity to the reading as to events and the depth of spiritual or emotional
problems the querent may encounter. Also pay attention to the cards that lie
at either side of the card you are reading to see if they are positive or negative
cards. If they are negative then you will have to advise the querent as to the
best way to approach or overcome these obstacles or outside influences.

When you are reading for a querent they may be afraid of what they see in the
cards, especially if they see the Death card. Under no circumstances must
you tell anyone that there is going to be a death, even if you feel that it is
inevitable. What will happen is that you will only instil fear and negative
emotions into the querent, and it is not your right to do that. However, neither
should you lie, exaggerate or glamourize what you see in the cards. If the
cards are telling you that the querent is heading into difficulties, sensitively tell
him/her that there are going to be difficulties ahead. If you use your instincts
and intuition the Tarot will offer advice on how to deal with the querent’s
circumstances.

Taking Notes
It is a good idea to take notes when practising to read a spread. Write down
each card you selected and their position in the spread, and write the story
that it is telling you. Jot down the problems or conflict, what your intuition
wants you to understand, what your role is in the reading, the

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recommendations for action, the projected outcome, and how you feel about
that. Every so often look at your notes again to see if your reading was
accurate.

Telling Time
Sometimes you will be asked when do you think the events that have come to
light in the reading will happen. It can be hard to judge sometimes because it
may depend on the querent to put in the effort to make things happen, so it
can be a case of “how long is a piece of string?” However, there are some
guidelines that seem to work. For example:

• The Major Arcana cards can signify that the event will happen very
soon.
• The Court cards can predict the months. Therefore, if you draw the
King of Pentacles he represents the zodiacal sign of Taurus, which
would indicate the months between April and May.
• The Aces can signify the season. Therefore, if you draw the Ace of
Cups it would signify the summer season during the months of June,
July and August.
• The Minor Arcana cards can indicate days or weeks. Therefore, if you
draw the Six of Wands it would suggest within either six days or six
weeks.

Dropped Cards
If a card is dropped while shuffling keep hold of it because it is important to
the reading and could well be the answer to the querent’s question, or predict
the time when events will start to happen for the querent. If many cards are
dropped it suggests that it is soon going to be very eventful in the querent’s
life. Sometimes a card in the spread may keep drawing your attention to it as
if it is trying to jump out at you. It seems that way because it is trying to tell
you something important within the reading and will keep pulling at you until
your intuition gets the message.

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The Spreads
There are many spreads for you to choose from and the only way is to
experiment and find a spread that you feel comfortable with, or maybe design
your own as I have done. The spread I use is simply based on the old
Romany three card past, present and future reading. However, I do three
readings with many cards in each one without asking for any questions from
the querent. The first reading will tell me the story of the past events that has
led the querent to his/her present circumstances. The second reading will tell
me where the querent is at presently and any advice that may be needed. The
third reading will inform me of any events, changes, or anything else that is
likely to transpire in the near future, and the advice as to the best way for the
querent to go forward. At the end of the reading I then ask the querent if
he/she has any questions, and usually they tell me that I have answered all
the questions they might have asked and happy with the reading.

The Three-Card Spread

The three-card spread is an old Romany method used to answer a specific
question. The querent is asked to shuffle the cards while thinking of his/her
question, then with his/her left hand cut the cards into three piles and place
them face down in a row. The top card of each pile is then turned over by the
reader. The first card represents the past, the second card represents the
present, and the third card represents the future. For example:

1 2 3

Past Present Future

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Case Study
Peter, aged 29, is a self-employed builder and was concerned because he
was finding it hard to find the finances to buy the materials for each contract
that he secured. Work is steadily coming through for Peter, but after he has
paid his workforce and obviously has to financially support his family he
struggles to invest into the next job. He mentioned that his situation had
become stressful and he had not told anyone else how he felt about his
circumstances. Peter wanted to see if the cards would show any new direction
or developments to his dilemma. These are the three cards he chose:

Past Present Future

Ace of Swords Queen of Pentacles Ace of Wands

Position 1: The Past – Ace of Swords

The Ace of Swords shows that Peter has been finding it difficult to put his
ideas into action. This was possibly due to practical issues or delays with
finances to enable him to get a project off the ground. For a while now, Peter
has been finding it hard to find the strength to push on through the obstacles
and challenges he has come up against. However, his dedication, courage
and determination has got him this far, therefore the Ace of Swords suggests
that he should keep focused, concentrate on his goals and make sure that he
uses his logic and intuition to deal effectively with his situation.

Position 2: The Present – Queen of Pentacles

The Queen of Pentacles in this position indicates that Peter needs to put
some order into his resources and take control of his financial situation. He
will need to be more self-sufficient and use his money and other resources
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constructively and creatively, and be careful of how much he is spending on
the good things in life. This card suggests that Peter has a good head for
business but maybe need to improve his organisational skills and deal with
the intricate details or attitudes that may be stifling his progress. It urges him
to adopt a team spirit rather than trying to do it alone and allow others to
understand what is on his mind or what he is feeling. The Queen of Pentacles
also indicates that Peter may meet someone who is very good at dealing with
business matters and can help him to overcome his obstacles, and maybe
come up with what is needed. It would be advisable for Peter to listen and
take on board what this person has to say because it could change his life.

Position 3: The Future – Ace of Wands

The Ace of Wands in this position indicates that the action Peter takes now
will be the start of something new, and could lead to a new career or a major
change in his lifestyle. This card urges Peter to go ahead with strength and
determination in his actions and things will start to move in the direction for a
stable and long-lasting venture. It will mean hard work but it is about to be
revitalized.

The Celtic Cross Spread

The Celtic Cross is one of the most popular spread of the Tarot since Arthur
Edward Waite recommended it as the most suitable to obtain an answer to a
definite question. It provides an overview of the querent’s situation and is also
excellent as a general reading. The Celtic Cross is laid out in two parts
consisting of the Christian symbolism of the cross and an upright staff.

The Significator Card

Some Tarot practitioners like to use a significator card with the Celtic Cross
spread but personally I prefer not to use one, because the card that has been
chosen as a significator might have been dealt in another position in the
spread giving it more significance. However, if you prefer to use a significator
card many practitioners use a Court card to represent the querent. For
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example, the Queens and Pages can represent women, and obviously a more
mature woman would be represented by a Queen, and Kings and Knights
would represent men with the Kings being the more mature ones. If you
happen to know the querent’s birth sign then you could use the Court cards
that relate to their zodiacal sign. For example, fire signs Aries, Leo and
Sagittarius would be the Wands Court cards; the water signs Cancer, Scorpio
and Pisces the Cups Court cards; the air signs Gemini, Libra and Aquarius
the Swords Court cards; and the earth signs Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn the
Pentacles Court cards.

Once a significator card has been selected, place it face down on the table
and shuffle the rest of the cards. Hand the deck for the querent to shuffle
while he/she thinks of the question and ask him/her to cut the deck into three
piles with his/her left hand and put the piles back on top of each other again in
any way the querent wants to. You then pick up the cards, turn over the
significator, draw each card from the top of the deck and lay them down as
follows:

• Take the first card and place it face up on the significator. This is the
card that covers the querent and reveals the present situation that
surrounds the querent’s question.
• The second card is placed face up and horizontally across the first
card. This card crosses the querent, and reveals either the positive or
negative influences relating to the obstacles, circumstances or conflict
connected with the querent’s question.
• The third card is placed face up beneath the other cards. This is the
card that is beneath the querent, and reveals the recent past influences
or root of the current situation that has resulted with the question.
• The fourth card is placed face up to the left of the significator. This is
the card that is behind the querent, and reveals the past events that
have formed the basis of the question.

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 • The fifth card is placed face up above the other cards. This is the card
that crowns the querent, and reveals the possible goal or outcome of
the querent’s present position.
• Take the sixth card and place it face up to the right of the significator.
This is the card that is before the querent, and reveals the immediate
future influences or situations connected with the querent’s question.

The cards that form the shape of the cross have now been laid out and there
are four cards left that form the shape of the staff.

• Take the seventh card and place it at the base of the staff and to the
right of the cross. This is the querents feelings, and reveals the
querents emotions, attitudes, how he/she views the situation, and the
state of his/her mind.
• The eighth card is placed face up above the seventh card. This is the
querent’s outside influences. It reveals the present opinions of family,
friends and others who are involved in the querent’s situation, and the
environmental and home issues that may have an influence on the
querent at this time.
• The ninth card is placed face up above the eighth card. This is the
querent’s hopes and fears, and can help to shed some light on the
querent’s fears and doubts or show his/her wishes and ideals, or
unexpected factors.
• Take the tenth card and place it above the ninth card. This is the
outcome, and reveals the final result or answer to the querent’s
question.

Clarification Card
If a Court card is in the outcome position it usually means that another person
will be involved in bringing the querent’s situation to a conclusion, so if this
happens a clarification card can be drawn to find what area of the querent’s
situation this person may be dealing with. You should also keep in mind that

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the tenth card is the final culmination of all of the other cards and should be
read with a connection to them, especially with the fifth card (the crown card)
and the sixth card (the immediate future influences card). The pattern of the
Celtic Cross spread is as follows:

The Celtic Cross Pattern

10
5

S
9

1
4 6

2
8

3
7

S = the Significator. 1 = What Covers the Querent. 2 = What Crosses the

Querent. 3 = What is Beneath the Querent. 4 = What is Behind the Querent.
5 = What Crowns the Querent. 6 = What is Before the Querent. 7 = The
Querent’s Feelings. 8 = The Querent’s Outside Influences. 9 = The Querent’s
Hopes and Fears. 10 = The Outcome of the Querent’s Reading.

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Reading the Celtic Cross Spread

Case Study: John, aged 52, a Nightclub and Public House Manager.

John had been working as a manager in the licensed trade for approximately
25 years. Unfortunately due to outlet closures because of a recession within
the industry his job became redundant. However, he wanted a change of
direction and felt that he would like to try and write a book, and now he has
the opportunity he wanted some guidance as to whether it would support him
financially to do so. John came for a reading in the hope that it would reveal
that writing a book would be the right direction for him to take. After choosing
a significator card for him these are the cards that John chose:

John’s Celtic Cross Spread

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Significator card – Page of Pentacles

1. What covers John – The Moon

2. What crosses John – Five of Pentacles
3. What is beneath John – Six of Pentacles
4. What is behind John – Ten of Cups
5. What crowns John – Two of Pentacles
6. What is before John – Justice
7. John’s feelings – Page of Cups
8. John’s outside influences – The Empress
9. John’s hopes and fears – The Chariot
10. The outcome for John’s reading – Knight of Swords

The Significator
The Page of Pentacles was chosen as the significator after asking John his
zodiacal birth sign. John is a Capricorn, which is represented by this card. In
the Waite deck the Page of Pentacles depicts the page facing to the left,
meaning that he is leaving his past behind him. Capricornians are
hardworking, ambitious and focus all their energies towards one goal, and
often make it to the top of their profession. We usually find Capricornians
working at their own business, but they also do work well with others and
make good leaders.

1. What Covers John – The Moon

The covering card, which represents the present situation that surrounds
John’s question signifies deception, confusion, difficulties and a feeling that he
is groping in the dark at the moment. John feels that he has been betrayed by
his employers and now finds it hard to trust other people. The Moon card
suggests that John must trust his intuition to detect other people’s intentions
and ask more questions. However, this card is a good sign for psychic and
spiritual development and a good card for putting his creative talents to
writing, psychology, psychotherapy or any other imaginative projects.

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2. What Crosses John – Five of Pentacles
The crossing card, which signifies the influences, obstacles or conflict
connected to John’s question is the Five of Pentacles and indicates loss and
hardship. It suggests that John may be finding it difficult to move forward
because he is struggling financially due to being unemployed for a while.
However, this card indicates that his circumstances are only temporary and
there is a solution to his dilemma, because as a Capricornian he has the
ability and resources to bring abundance back into his life.

3. What is Beneath John – Six of Pentacles

The Six of Pentacles in this position reveals the root of the current situation or
the past influences that has led to the question. It symbolises generosity,
abundance, kindness and a desire to help others by sharing our resources. It
suggests that John enjoys helping others and has been in a position to do so.
He has worked hard at his job and received the just rewards and personal
satisfaction from his work. However, he now feels insecure due to a lack of
recognition for the effort he had put into his work, and also feels let down with
promises that never happened. Therefore, in the end John’s generosity
dwindled away his resources because he did not manage his assets and
possessions properly, but to be fair, did not foresee the circumstances he was
to find himself in.

4. What is Behind John – Ten of Cups

The Ten of Cups reveals the past events that have formed John’s question. It
is a card of happiness, security and accomplishment that has been achieved
through hard work and effort. In the past John has achieved success and
happiness, and his ability had earned him the respect and recognition he
deserved. However, with being a Capricorn, John was spending too much
time at his work to the detriment of his personal relationships, but after the
hurt of having to let go he has overcome the pain and is facing the future with
his usual ambition.

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5. What Crowns John – Two of Pentacles
The Two of Pentacles reveals the possible goal or outcome of John’s present
position. It signifies a need to bring balance and harmony to his finances and
emotions. This card suggests that John will need to handle his responsibilities
or finances in a more balanced way and be content with slowly making
improvements and progress at the moment. He has the ability and emotional
and physical stamina to make things happen, so as long as he stays focused
and patient he will be successful in reaching his goals.

6. What is Before John – Justice

The Justice card in this position, reveals the immediate future influences
connected with John’s question. It signifies fairness, honesty, truth and taking
responsibility for his actions. It indicates that John will win over any problems
within his business and home life. He can expect a good outcome to his
situation if he makes the necessary preparations and tries to achieve a
balance in all areas of his life. If John uses his integrity his problems will be
solved one by one. He has the ability to maintain the courage of his
convictions therefore the outcome should be a fair one.

7. John’s Feelings – Page of Cups

The Page of Cups reveals John’s emotions, attitudes, how he views his
situation and what his state of mind is. It represents possibilities or renewal on
an emotional level. This card suggests that John is about to begin a new
phase of emotional growth that will strengthen his self-esteem and build up
his trust in others. A talent or skill may prove to be beneficial or rewarding and
may involve a fair amount of study. These skills could be linked to John’s
keen psychic or creative ability. He is starting to see things with fresh eyes
and his obstacles are becoming easier to overcome. The Page of Cups also
suggests that John may meet someone who can offer help and will become a
true friend. This card is urging him to go with his gut reaction, be open to
offers and take a chance. Some happy emotional news may soon be
received.

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8. John’s Outside Influences – The Empress
The Empress in this position reveals the present opinions of family, friends
and others who are involved with John’s situation, and the environmental and
home issues that may influence him at this time. It signifies fertility, new life
and growth, and suggests that he is about to enter into a creative and
productive phase and will achieve something that will lead to growth and
prosperity in all aspects of his life. This will be achieved by drawing on his
wisdom, understanding, strength and creativity, and directed in the areas of
writing, art, beauty or caring profession. John’s efforts and achievements will
be rewarded if he uses his talents wisely and responsibly, which may lead to
good fortune and financial security, enabling him to surround himself with
material comforts. The Empress also suggests that John may develop
successful and creative partnerships in both business and personal
relationships. This card urges him to be generous with his time, but also to
deter others from being too dependent on him.

9. John’s Hopes and Fears – The Chariot

The Chariot reveals John’s fears and doubts or his wishes and ideals, or any
unexpected factors. It symbolises motion and represents success through
focused effort and reward as a result of hard work. This card suggests that
John has a passionate ambition to achieve a particular goal and will need to
harness all of his abilities and talents to attain this. In order to achieve this he
will have to focus on identifying any problems, searching for answers to
questions, learning the lessons of his past mistakes and go forward with
commitment and determination. It does however indicate that John is able to
cope and has the ability and skill needed to be successful. Even if there is a
struggle, as long as he uses his gifts and is prepared to work hard his goals
will be achieved.

10. The Outcome of John’s Reading – Knight of Swords

The Knight of Swords in this position reveals the final result or answer to
John’s question. It signifies a period of sudden changes or disruption. This

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card suggests that John has a desire to make drastic changes in his life and
will have the opportunity to make these changes. His focus will more than
likely be a new business venture that will mean more financial benefits. There
may be someone who could give John some good advice that will help to
steer him in the right direction. This is a time for John to recognise and
confront the destructive elements in his life, take the initiative, make radical
decisions and drive forward in order to reach his goals.

Clarification Card – Temperance

Because the outcome card was a Court card a clarification card was turned
over off the top of the deck, to find out in what area of John’s situation the
person represented by the Knight of Swords may be dealing with.
Temperance symbolises compromise, moderation, cooperation, coordination,
balance, and the ability to live and work in harmony with others. It suggests
that John may soon be in a transaction or negotiation with someone regarding
a business deal. Even though he has a measure of doubt or worry he is being
asked to go with the flow to see how things develop. It indicates the way
forward is through compromise and cooperation. This card is about obtaining
security through economical and thrifty management and is excellent for
creative work. Therefore, the outcome suggests that there will be a new
chapter in John’s life, and his business and personal life will become stable
and balanced. There is light at the end of the tunnel and John will feel secure
and happy with his life.

Cards Pairs and the Celtic Cross Spread

John’s reading has five Major Arcana in the spread, which means there are
going to be major changes or events coming up in the near future for him. If
we link the clarification card (Temperance) with the sixth card (Justice), they
indicate that balance will be restored in the areas of John’s business, home
and personal life. The first card (The Moon), the eighth card (The Empress)
and the seventh card the (Page of Cups) all suggest a creative and productive
time. (The Moon) and the (Page of Cups) are urging John to use his psychic

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and creative ability and (The Moon) and (The Empress) suggests that he has
the ability to direct his talents and skills to writing. The ninth card (The
Chariot) is telling John to harness all of his gifts and use them to achieve his
goals.

There are also three Pentacles in the spread other than the significator card
the Page of Pentacles, and in John’s case are related to finances and
business. They actually all link to loss and hardship. If we link card three the
(Six of Pentacles) with the fourth card the (Ten of Cups) the loss here was the
break-up of the family due to John’s lack of give and take at home and
spending too much time at work. The (Temperance) card and the (Two of
Pentacles) suggest that John needs to bring a balance to his finances and his
personal life because the (Five of Pentacles) indicates that he is struggling
financially at the moment and maybe even feeling isolated. However, this
reading pans out beautifully and John will make the changes that are needed
to bring security back into his life.

Numerology and the Celtic Cross Spread

More information can be found within this reading by adding all of the
numbers of the cards in the spread and the numbers of each suit if there are
three or more. For example, there are five Major Arcana cards and if we add
The Moon = 18, Justice = 11, The Empress = 3, The Chariot = 7 and
Temperance = 14, we have a total of 53, then reduce this number by adding
the two digits together (5+3) = 8.

In numerology the number eight can suggest significant changes in money,

relationships, career, home life and status. However, it urges John to pay
close attention to detail and put in a lot of hard work, but also warns him to be
careful not to neglect those who are dear to him. Eight is the number for
regeneration or renewal that comes from a beneficial crisis, meaning that
John has the opportunity to free his creative energy now that he has been
made redundant. Losing his job has been a crisis but has also been beneficial

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because it has given him the time to write his book. At the end of the day, it
suggests that John will get what he deserves, meaning he will only profit from
the amount of effort he puts into it.

Now if we add the numbers of the Pentacles because there are three of them
we come to the number 13, and when reduced we have the number 4. The
number four relates to building safe foundations and security, and suggests
that John should be careful and steady in his work and also put in the effort.
However, the number four indicates that John will be hard-working, practical
and diligent, and probably be successful in the business and financial world.

By adding all of the numbers in the spread also gives us the number 4. This
confirms that John’s reading relates to business and finances, and it is totally
down to him to make things happen by working hard, pushing himself forward
and seeking out the people who could help him.

The Horoscope Spread

This spread is useful for looking at all the different areas of the querent’s life.
It can be used either as a month-by-month forecast or as a general reading as
to events or the present circumstances of the querent.

Shuffle the cards and hand them to the querent to shuffle while thinking of a
question or thinking about areas of his/her life that he/she may or may not be
happy with. Then get him/her to cut and stack the cards as before in the other
spreads then hand them back to you. From the top of the deck place the first
card face down in the position of nine o’clock, then place the other eleven
cards face down in an anti-clockwise direction until you have twelve cards in
the positions of the hours on a clock. Next place a thirteenth card in the centre
of the spread as follows:

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 10
11 9

12
8

1 13 7

2 6

3 5

Position 1: The First House – Aries: The Self

This position indicates how you are currently thinking and feeling, and reveals
your own individual approach and immediate reaction to the problems
confronting you and the energy and abilities you have readily available to deal
with any challenges or obstacles. It also relates to the whole physical body,
head and face.

Position 2: The Second House – Taurus: Money and Resources

This position focuses on your financial, material, physical, emotional, mental
and spiritual resources, and the way in which you are able to control or
influence them in order to strengthen your position. It also relates to the neck,
throat, ears, larynx, tonsils and Thyroid Gland.

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Position 3: The Third House – Gemini: Communications and Everyday
Activities
This position relates to communications within your immediate environment
and the physical and mental processes by which you ascertain your
relationship to it, such as telephone calls, writing letters, using the internet,
speaking, newspapers, television, radio, visiting or journeys by transport, and
so on. This applies to family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues or anyone
who has an intimate connection with you. This position also relates to your
mental ability, energy and power and its development through learning and
education. In health matters it represents the lungs, shoulders, upper arms,
nervous system and the oxygenation of the blood.

Position 4: The Fourth House – Cancer: The Home and Family

This position refers to your home and anything associated with it. This
includes strong memories, emotions, thoughts and feelings about the family,
especially the relationship with your parents who are seen as a living link to
your past and the embodiment of your physical and mental heredity. Property
and savings are also associated with the fourth house and even travel sounds
attractive, but home is more appealing. In a nutshell it describes your feelings
about the quality of your home, your domestic environment and your life. In
health matters it represents the chest, breasts, stomach, diaphragm,
pancreas, the womb and the ovaries.

Position 5: The Fifth House – Leo: Pleasure, Romance and Creativity

This position is associated with pleasurable pursuits, romance, entertainment
and speculative ventures. It refers to your individuality, desire for self-
expression, and your ability to take advantage of your natural talent to add
new accomplishments to your inherited abilities. This is related to your
creative abilities and the amount of talent and skill you can manage to
produce for your ventures, whether for financial speculations, gambling, love
affairs, art, writing, drama, hobbies, holidays and all other ways you seek
pleasure and entertainment. It is also the house for producing children,

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another way that shows your desire for self-expression and creativity. In
health matters it is associated with the heart, the spine, and the forearm from
the elbow to the wrist.

Position 6: The Sixth House – Virgo: Work and Health

This position refers to your routine work and opportunities and to your general
health and wellbeing. It focuses on your ability to organise and use your
resources, your ability adjust to your immediate environment and your efforts
to achieve perfection with the skills, talents or tools you have at your disposal,
whether mental, moral, physical or spiritual. This may be in the workplace or
in a role of training or study, therefore relates to your employers or teachers
and your ability to work or study in accordance with them, or your ability to
cope at home with the daily chores. The sixth house relates to your ability to
deal effectively with the physical and psychic tools at your disposal in a way
that you will not become liable to illness. In health matters it represents the
abdominal region (stomach) and the digestive system, which also relates to
diet.

Position 7: The Seventh House – Libra: Partnerships

This position refers to committed relationships and partnerships in your
personal or business life. This can relate to joint ventures in business or your
relationship with your partner. It describes your feelings and attitudes towards
the relationship as to whether it is harmonious or hostile. The seventh house
also represents the kidneys, lumbar region and veins.

Position 8: The Eighth House – Scorpio: Money, Endings, New

Beginnings and Sex
This position refers to your ability to develop and strengthen your resources
as a result of the impact on your circumstances in life, or the resources of
others and the part they are likely to play in your life. These resources can be
physical, emotional, financial, moral or spiritual and are about your ability to
bring new life and strength to them. This is the house of life and death and will

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inform you of situations or events that are beginning or ending. It is also the
house that deals with deep and sexual relationships, and spiritual or occult
matters. In health matters it represents the bladder and reproductive organs.

Position 9: The Ninth House – Sagittarius: Travel and Education

This position refers to the world outside your immediate surroundings and the
means by which you make contact with it through long journeys or exploration
either physically, mentally or spiritually. It also deals with educational journeys
indicating studies such as philosophy, religion, the Law or any factor that may
increase your awareness or experience, and may indicate travel to
Universities or colleges. This house also relates to the hips, thighs and sciatic
nerves.

Position 10: The Tenth House – Capricorn: Career and Ambitions

This position relates to the way you project your skills and talents as a whole,
your conscious endeavours to attain a chosen goal, your position in the world
and the way in which you earn your living. This house refers to your hopes
and ambitions, making your way in life, your reputation and social status.
Reference to your mother and your superiors in the workplace may also be
indicated in this house as to how they operate as a whole, what interests them
and what concerns them. In health matters this house relates to the knees,
joints, teeth and skin.

Position 11: The Eleventh House – Aquarius: Friends and Social Circle
This position refers to the people with whom you can communicate your
individuality and bring out the qualities that you like to display or develop as a
means of self-expression, such as your friends, social contacts, colleagues,
and all groups related to the kind of social life that you enjoy. This can include
clubs, associations, societies, charitable organisations or any group that
comes together for social purposes, ideological objectives, to allow you to
project your creative abilities, or group enterprise for speculation or gain. This
house also represents blood circulation, the lower legs and ankles.

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Position 12: The Twelfth House – Pisces: Fears and Anxieties
This position refers to your deepest fears, secrets, illusions, psychic matters,
and your ability to adjust to life as a whole and find your appropriate position
in the world. This may involve making sacrifices for some ideal, juggling your
finances, temptations, overindulging, addictions, obsessions or any other
weakness or “Achilles’ Heel” that may not be helping you to reach your goals.
This house also represents the feet.

Position 13: Overall Influence or Significator

This position can either be a card that can be used as an outcome to the
overall reading or can be a significator card to represent you as used in the
Celtic Cross spread. If you use a card for an outcome to the reading it will
show you whether it is going to be an easy journey for the querent or a difficult
one. Obviously a Major card will indicate that there will be a major influence
connected to all of the positions in the spread and a Minor card will only have
a minor influence on the reading. If it is a Court card but not a significator then
it may be someone who has an influence over the reading, or it may be urging
you to adopt some of the qualities or characteristics of the Court card. A
clarification card can be used to determine the influence, the area or the role
that this person has in the querent’s life.

Reading the Horoscope Spread

Case Study: Paula, aged 25 and unemployed.

Paula came to me for a reading because she was concerned about her
relationship with her partner and her prospects for a job. She feels that her
relationship is not working out and she moved into his home, therefore will be
unemployed and homeless if they were to break up. Paula needed some
guidance as to the direction she should take at this time. These are the cards
that were chosen:

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 Paula's Horoscope Spread

Position 1 – The Self: Nine of Cups

Position 2 – Money and Resources: Wheel of Fortune
Position 3 – Communications and Everyday Activities: Ace of Swords
Position 4 – The Home and Family: Six of Pentacles
Position 5 – Pleasure, Romance and Creativity: Five of Pentacles
Position 6 – Work and Health: Two of Wands
Position 7 – Partnerships: Five of Wands
Position 8 – Money, Endings, New Beginnings and Sex: Two of Swords
Position 9 – Travel and Education: Seven of Wands
Position 10 – Career and Ambitions: Page of Pentacles
Position 11 – Friends and Social Circle: Two of Cups
Position 12 – Fears and Anxieties: Nine of Wands
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Position 13 – Overall Influence or Significator: Three of Pentacles

Position 1: The Self – The Nine of Cups

In this position the Nine of Cups suggests that Paula has some emotional
issues with her partner that may become heated at times. She has a lot of
feelings for her partner and was hoping and thinking that a permanent
commitment would happen, possibly even marriage. Paula has been happy
and content with her relationship but now feels that it is not living up to her
expectations and is frightened of losing everything she has put in to the
relationship, and is even finding it hard to put a smile on her face. However, it
does suggest that Paula’s wish will eventually be realised and something will
happen to make her dreams a reality.

Position 2: Money and Resources – Wheel of Fortune

In the second house the Wheel of Fortune indicates that Paula has reached
the end of one cycle concerning her financial situation and a new phase will
begin. She is worried about not having the money to make ends meet, but it
suggests that rapid changes will offer her opportunities to change her financial
and material circumstances. Paula feels that she is not in control of her life at
the moment and believes that fate will direct her in the right direction, which is
all well and good but it will be up to Paula whether the outcome is going to be
positive or negative. However, this card does suggest that through luck her
money issues may come to an end making life easier for her.

Position 3: Communications and Everyday Activities – Ace of Swords

In this house the Ace of Swords indicates that communication is strained at
home but Paula has the ability to use her logic and intuition to deal with her
situation, and clear thinking will help her to make the right decisions to resolve
the matters she is worried about. It suggests that there may be good news
regarding a job or project in which she will have to use her communication
skills. This job may involve a lot of paperwork and possibly some form of

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study. This card urges Paula to focus on her goals and objectives, and trust
her own judgement.

Position 4: The Home and Family – Six of Pentacles

In this position the Six of Pentacles suggests that give and take is important at
this time. It indicates that Paula may need to bring balance, harmony and self-
control back into her life and try to rectify aspects of her home life that she has
neglected. It urges Paula not to waste her resources and share her generosity
with her partner and be receptive to what her partner has to offer. It is time to
be generous and enjoy the kindness of others.

Position 5: Pleasure, Romance and Creativity – Five of Pentacles

The Five of Pentacles in this house indicates that because Paula has been
unemployed for a while it has made her lose faith in herself and her
confidence, creativity and self-esteem is extremely low. It suggests that her
relationship may have gone cold leaving her emotionally overwhelmed,
miserable and sad. However, it also implies that Paula may need to take a
good look at herself because some aspects of her life may have been
neglected and need to be rectified. Paula may need to take time out to get in
touch with herself, switch her thoughts to bringing abundance into her life and
be willing to make and accept any changes that may happen. This card
suggests that her finances will improve but she will have to cut back on the
good things in life.

Position 6: Work and Health – Two of Wands

In the sixth house the Two of Wands indicates that on the job-front Paula will
need to put things into perspective as to what is more important to her at the
moment, and may need to give herself time to think things over. Paula will
have to be in the right frame of mind if she is to look for work because she will
need to take charge of her situation, show how persevering she is and not let
anything stand in her way. Her efforts will be rewarded as long as she can
overcome the obstacles ahead of her, and if she is lacking in energy then she

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needs to make sure that her diet is adequate and maybe take a course of
vitamins, or eat more fish, fruit and vegetables.

Position 7: Partnerships – Five of Wands

The Five of Wands in this position suggests that Paula and her partner may
be engaged in a quarrel or dispute and she wants to try to resolve it and clear
the air. She must not let these irritations get the better of her and needs to
think about what really matters. At the end of the day a disagreement is just a
disagreement and not a call to arms. Once the air has been cleared Paula
and her partner might have the time to spend some passionate moments
together.

Position 8: Money, Endings, New Beginnings and Sex

In this house the Two of Swords indicates that Paula will need to face up to
her challenges and obstacles, otherwise she will forever feel trapped by her
circumstances. Once she has resolved her dilemma she will know where she
is heading and a new way of life will begin. It suggests that Paula’s troubles
and disputes are going to end and she will realise that there was no need to
weigh herself down with worry after all.

Position 9: Travel and Education – Seven of Wands

In this ninth house the Seven of Wands suggests that Paula may have been
planning a holiday or a trip with her partner to give them the chance to
straighten out their problems and maybe make steps towards a commitment.
It also suggests that Paula may have a desire to acquire knowledge of a
spiritual or philosophical nature, or may just want to improve her mental
ability.

Position 10: Career and Ambitions – Page of Pentacles

The Page of Pentacles in this position suggests that Paula is trying to find an
intelligent way to increase her finances so that she will financially have the
ability to support and take responsibility for her own life, rather than be

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dependent on her partner. It does indicate that Paula is ready to go further
with her ambitions and may meet someone who can change things for the
better by showing her a new approach to her situation. This could be through
some social invitation or through a sudden business offer. This card also
suggests that Paula may go into further education or learn a new skill, but
whatever direction she takes as long as she is prepared to work hard and
learns to be self-disciplined there will be long-term rewards.

Position 11: Friends and Social Circle – Two of Cups

In the eleventh house the Two of Cups suggests that someone close to Paula
is willing to put the past behind them and show that they care for her.
Therefore, no matter what Paula is feeling at the moment she will soon
experience happiness, harmony and love, and share positive ideas and
friendship. It also suggests that Paula may soon be invited to a reunion with
old friends.

Position 12: Fears and Anxieties – Nine of Wands

The Nine of Wands in the twelfth house indicates that Paula may be
experiencing difficulties and is losing faith in her own abilities. It urges her not
to allow setbacks to cause her to lose motivation and must stay focused on
her goal. Paula is equipped to face the challenges and has the strength to
tackle any problem, and therefore should not give up. Perhaps she is upset
because she wants things to happen now and does not really want to bide her
time before she reaps the rewards of her endeavours. Paula will need to learn
to stay with it and be patient because she will get there in the end.

Position 13: Overall Outcome or Significator – Three of Pentacles

In this position the Three of Pentacles suggests that Paula will have success
in her work, and her creative ability will earn her praise. She will be valued for
her ideas and efforts, which will give her a sense of satisfaction and financial
reward. Any investment that Paula has made in her personal relationships,
the results of her efforts will begin to materialise and contentment will triumph.

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The Horoscope Spread and Numerology
In this spread there are four Pentacles, four Wands and three twos. If you add
together the numbers of the Pentacles and then reduce the total by adding the
two digits together as before in the Celtic Cross Spread, you will see that
numerically the influence of the Pentacles is the number five, as with the
Wands. The three twos have a strong influence on the spread with their own
number of two. By adding all the numbers in the spread and reducing the total
by adding the two digits together, the influence on the spread is the number
seven. Now if you refer to the section on Tarot and Numerology you will be
very surprised with what you discover in relation to this spread by reading the
numbers two, five and seven.

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 Tarot and Psychic Ability

There are seventy-eight cards in the Tarot and

studying them cannot be rushed. Firstly the best
thing you need to do is choose a pack that you
feel comfortable with and has pictorial images
and symbols on all of the cards. Study and
memorise the interpretation of each card from
the booklet that comes with the pack, and when
you have a superficial understanding of each
arcana you can start to go deeper into the
interpretations of them, perhaps through books or taking on a course. Actually
the best way to read the cards is by using your own interpretations. This
means that you will need to learn to trust your intuition and let your
subconscious mind show you the messages of each arcana.

Psychic Ability
Psychic ability is in all of us but most of us have forgotten how to use it. It is a
sixth sense that can be developed, but unfortunately our Western culture
seems to rebut anything that they cannot understand or get to grips with, even
thought they cannot disprove that it exists. Therefore, because science will
not acknowledge something that cannot be measured, it has conditioned most
of society to think on the same lines. All animals still use their sixth sense and
we humans are made up of parts of the same DNA. I will show you how to tap
into your subconscious mind through meditation/self-hypnosis, which will help
you to relax, enhance your psychic awareness, concentration, creativity,
visualisation and learning, and even how to contact your spirit guide.

Explanation of Meditation/Self-Hypnosis
The mind is split into two distinct parts, which we need in order to live and
these are the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. The conscious
mind is aware, knowing and deliberate and deals with intentional actions or
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emotions in a critical, analytical or logical way, which we can call the self. It is
associated with rational thought and everyday decision-making. The
subconscious mind is the part of the mind that is not fully conscious but
influences our actions in an intuitive, instinctive, creative, psychic, spiritual or
emotional way, which we can call the inner or higher self. It stores everything
that we have ever seen and done and received from our five senses.

Communication and knowledge is always being stored in our conscious and

subconscious mind as the brain picks up information from our five senses,
then the conscious mind studies this information and with some suggestions
from the subconscious mind it will then make decisions. It is only the
subconscious that can access psychic awareness and spirit guide contact
because the conscious mind would be too critical, so the best way to tap into
our subconscious is through meditation or self-hypnosis.

Meditation or self-hypnosis can be looked upon as an altered state of

consciousness and a connection between the physical body and the non-
physical subconscious and inner self, which is best induced in a relaxed state.
It is simply a way of relaxing and setting aside your conscious mind while at
the same time activating your subconscious mind to allow suggestions to be
made to your subconscious. This will enable you to act on these suggestions
with greater ease and efficiency and open your mind to pure uplifting thoughts
from your inner or higher self.

Meditation or self-hypnosis has many benefits such as:

• Improved psychic awareness

• Spirit guide contact
• Increased relaxation and elimination of tension
• Increased and focused concentration
• Improved reflexes
• Improved memory
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 • Increased self-confidence
• Increased organisation and efficiency
• Increased motivation
• Improved interpersonal relationships
• Elimination of anxiety and depression
• Elimination of habits or other negative tendencies
• Improved overall quality of life
• Establishes and maintains harmony of body, mind and spirit, and the
list goes on.

We are told that the subconscious mind uses 80% of our computer. We have
a blank mind when we are born and we have no experience apart from the
fear of falling and a fear of loud noises. We have no phobias, compulsions or
desires apart from food. We also have no prejudices, we do not hate or love
and we do not possess any of the seven deadly sins. As we go through life
our five senses gradually fill the pages of our diary, and what we are today is
the result of our accumulated experiences that we have learnt and witnessed
from birth to this very minute. However, all of the information that we have
gathered in our subconscious will not have all been positive.

Meditation or self-hypnosis enables us to communicate directly with the

subconscious part of our mind to accept positive and beneficial suggestions
that will enhance the quality of our lives, and will lead to achieving our
ambitions and goals. It will also help us to remove negative thoughts and fear,
and help us to get rid of things that are detrimental to our health and
happiness and stopping us from moving forward.

In order to achieve all this we must practice the art of meditation or self-
hypnosis, and there are some very simple exercises that you can follow.
These exercises can be repeated as often as you like or at your own pace.

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As with all meditations and self-hypnosis, I recommend that you tape or
record all of these exercises.

Self-Hypnosis Briefly Explained

Before you begin this exercise sit down and make yourself comfortable, warm
and where you will not be disturbed. Loosen all tight clothing and remove your
shoes. You may play some relaxing music if you like. Place your feet apart
and flat on the floor and your hands either resting away from your body or
resting on your lap. Close your eyes, inhale a deep breath and hold it for five
seconds, then exhale slowly and as far as you can to the bottom of your
stomach. Repeat this another three times, and each time you exhale allow
yourself to let go, and relax. Allow your body to become limp and heavy and
let all the tension just drift away. Do not try to put any effort into it just allow
things to happen naturally. If you like you can count backwards, in your mind,
from 10 to 1, and with each number you count allow your mind and body to
relax even more.

Let you mind drift away to anywhere you like and allow your body to become
heavier and more relaxed with every breath or every number. You can repeat
this exercise as many times as you like until you know you are physically and
mentally more relaxed than when you started.

Next you need to bring in the visualisation technique. Imagine in your “mind’s
eye” the muscles in your feet and around your toes and feel them relaxing. Let
them go limp and heavy. Let all the tensions fade away. Then move up slowly
through your calves, to the tops of your legs, your hips, your stomach, your
chest, your shoulders and neck, down your arms and into your fingers and
thumbs, up the back of your head, over the top and down your forehead.
When you reach your face, pay special attention to allowing all the little
muscles to relax around your eyes, your eyelids, your cheeks, all around your
mouth, your jaw and even your tongue. You may find at this point that your
jaw sags open slightly with the pleasant feeling of total relaxation.

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Do not be afraid, as you will not lose control or become rigid, but you may find
that with the first few attempts you drift into a light sleep. Part of the skill is to
stay more or less awake while being totally relaxed in order to give yourself
positive suggestions. The idea is to programme your mind to slip into
relaxation to the trigger of backward counting or controlled breathing and
physical relaxation.

The process can take a little time in the early stages, maybe 15 to 20 minutes,
and sometimes needs quite a bit of practise to perfect. However, when you
have mastered the technique, self-hypnosis can be attained very quickly
indeed, in a matter of seconds with some people.

When you have entered into self-hypnosis, you can make any suggestions
you wish to yourself, such as:
I am gaining in confidence
I feel happy and relaxed at all times
Every day in every way I am getting better and better
I will approach people and situations in a more positive manner
I will be appreciative and receptive to people
I will study hard and be motivated to do so, and so on

A Simple Relaxation Exercise

Once you have made yourself comfortable, closed your eyes and done the
breathing exercises, this exercise will help you to relax each part of your body.
The three dots ( … ) suggest a slight pause. Remember to tape all of these
exercises.

Now just concentrate on relaxing every muscle in your body from the tips of
your toes to the top of your head. Just begin to relax. Concentrate now on
your feet and your toes … and as you do so just allow a feeling of comfort
and relaxation enter your feet and toes. A nice calm … relaxing feeling.
Now just gently flex your toes … and then relax them. Sense the feeling of
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relaxation and calmness flowing into your calves and shins … just relaxing
you more … and more. Tense your calf muscles … and then let go. Let the
relaxation gently flow up through your knees and into your thighs … and just
tighten your thigh muscles … and relax them. Now your stomach muscles …
flex them … and let them relax. Tense all the muscles in your back … and
the tiny muscles around your spine … let go … and make sure they are totally
relaxed.

Sense the comfortable safe feeling of peace and relaxation gently floating
upwards through your stomach and along your spine … and as you feel
yourself sinking more and more comfortably into the seat … you become
more and more relaxed … more and more at peace … and more and more at
ease.

You may notice how calm and peaceful your breathing is becoming … and
with every breath you take … you breathe in more and more relaxation … and
every time you breathe out … you breathe out all of your tensions and all of
your worries … allowing all your troubles and cares … the real ones and the
imagined ones to just drift away.

Now just concentrate on your shoulders … tense them … and relax them.
Make sure all the muscles surrounding your jaw are at their most comfortable
and very relaxed … and if at anytime you feel like swallowing … then just
swallow. Now tighten the muscles in your arms … and then slowly relax
them. A feeling of calmness and relaxation flows down your arms … into
your elbows … along your forearms … into your wrists … hands … and
fingers … flex your fingers a little … and then relax them.

Now concentrate on making sure your neck is relaxed … and at its most
comfortable for you. Concentrate now on all the very tiny muscles
surrounding your nose … eyes … and ears … flex them … and relax them.
Feel the flow of comfort and relaxation rising up through your entire body …

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reaching the very top of your scalp … pushing out all the worries … all the
stresses … nothing to worry you … nothing to trouble you … and nobody
wanting anything from you. This is a time for you … a time for you to
completely relax … and just let yourself sink deeper and deeper … floating
down and down … all outside noises fading away … and any noises that do
remain … or any new noises … will just continue to relax you more and more.

Every breath you take will just keep on relaxing you more and more …
enabling you to drift deeper and deeper into this relaxing state of peace and
tranquillity. Just let yourself go. You are so completely relaxed. Just rest
and relax now. Just rest and relax.

Relax for one minute then continue

Relax … relaxing … releasing … letting go completely as every muscle

relaxes … and you drift down with that relaxation as it occurs … allowing that
comfortable heaviness to increase … to flow down … softening … each
muscle loosening as that relaxation increases now. You can continue to drift
down as you allow the meditation to deepen now … that feeling of comfort …
of security perhaps as you relax each and every part of you … allowing your
subconscious mind to accept the responsibility for taking care of those things
that are important to you … as your conscious mind drifts to wherever it
wishes … perhaps to a special place that your subconscious will provide for
you … where you can relax even deeper … secure … safe … enjoying the
pleasant feeling of trance.

And as you drift down … you can also drift back again in your own time … as
you choose … when your attention is required … or just when you want to …
drifting back to wakeful awareness as your eyes open … and you can take
this opportunity to practice again your ability to create your own state of
comfortable meditation or self-hypnosis … creating that tension … as before
… feeling that tension … then releasing that tension … and allow the

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meditation to develop and continue … as you allow that drifting down …
deeper and deeper … each breath of yours relaxing you more … and I would
like you to continue now to practise that ability … to drift down … to enjoy that
experience … and then drift back again. So go ahead now and drift for a
minute or two.

Drift for two minutes

You have done very well … you have managed to do that for yourself … how
to create that tension … and then release that tension … and to drift down
into a comfortable state of meditation or self-hypnosis … where you can
utilise the abilities and capabilities that your subconscious mind can provide
for you … that creative part of you … where those special capabilities and
capacities will be available to you even more than before. Your
subconscious mind can do so many things for you as you drift down into
meditation.

The Coming-Up Exercise

Now … in your own time and in your own way … ask your subconscious to
drift back up again … and then drift back up in your own time … in your own
way … bringing with you those comfortable positive feelings of balance … of
things resolved … remembering all the suggestions … feeling refreshed …
relaxed … vitalized … confident … and full of energy … as you reach the
surface of wakeful awareness … allowing your eyes to open as you take a
deep breath and smile.

Count Down Relaxation Exercise

There is an alternative relaxation technique you can use by counting down to
achieve relaxation. Make yourself comfortable as before with feet flat on the
floor and close your eyes. At the end of the induction use the Coming-Up
Exercise or carry on with another one of the exercises.

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And now that you are resting so quiet there with your eyes closed … you are
going to relax even deeper. You are going to count, in your head, very
slowly to seven … and in between each count you will use the words “drifting
deeper and deeper”. And you will find as this count progresses … that you
can drift deeper into that trance state. As you count just tell yourself “I am
going deeper and deeper into relaxation”.

Now it doesn’t matter if your mind wanders. It doesn’t matter if you lose
awareness altogether. All that matters is your own relaxation … so just be
comfortable … allow yourself the pleasure of sinking deeper and deeper into
the comfortable cushion of your chair. Just let yourself drift into that
relaxation as you count slowly to seven using the words “drifting deeper and
deeper” in between each count … and begin that count now:

One … Drifting deeper and deeper …

Two … Drifting deeper and deeper. And already you can feel yourself
settling down … becoming much more relaxed now … your feeling so very
comfortable … beginning to feel peaceful too. Just feel that relaxation
working it’s way through you body. It’s bringing every part of you to rest …
settling you right down.

Three …Drifting deeper and deeper …

Four … Drifting deeper and deeper. And now you can be aware of how slow
and easy your breathing has become … a little slower and deeper too … and
each deep breath that you take is making you more comfortable … and much
more relaxed … more and more relaxed … just feel your whole body getting
heavier and heavier … almost as though you’re sinking down … down … just
sinking down into sheer comfort … as each breath you take relaxes you more
… and more … and more.

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Five … Drifting deeper and deeper …

Six … Drifting deeper and deeper. You’re feeling more comfortable … more
relaxed … heavy … and so glad to be drifting deeper and deeper. Heavy …
drifting deeper and deeper … and relaxed. Feeling heavy … drifting deeper
and deeper … heavy and relaxed … drifting deeper and deeper … heavy and
relaxed.

Seven … Drifting deeper and deeper … into that warm and comfortable state
of just letting go completely … allowing your subconscious mind to take on
more and more of that responsibility for guiding your awareness down … as
you drift with your own thoughts. Each word allows you to drift now …
deeper and deeper into relaxation … nothing bothers you … and nothing
disturbs you at all. Should the phone ring it will not concern you. Even the
loudest of noises will not bother you at all … because you are concentrating
only on each word … and each sound … relaxing you even deeper than
before.

This is a special time for you … a time to put aside all your worldly thoughts
and material problems … a time when you can really become aware of that
inner part of you … a time when no-one is demanding anything from you …
no-one needing anything from you. This is your time … a wonderful
relaxation of both your body and your mind. Now allow yourself a short time
of silence … a few moments that you can use to settle down deeper into that
comfortable state that you are enjoying right now … using the ability that you
have to drift even deeper into your own innermost mind. In a few moments’
time you’ll be much more relaxed … more comfortable … feeling so safe and
secure … far far more relaxed than you are now … so just rest quietly now
and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the next few moments.

Allow about one minute to rest quietly

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Now … just let yourself drift deeper and deeper … more and more into that
relaxation. As you count down from five to one now … just let yourself drift
deeper and deeper … more and more … into that relaxation.

Increase the interval between counts

Five …

Four …

Three … deeper and deeper … drifting down and deeper still … down and
down …

Two … down … down … down … down …

One

Just rest and relax now. Just rest and relax

Visual Imagery
Should you have a situation in your life that you want to change or something
that you would like to develop, such as learning the Tarot cards and
developing psychic awareness, one of the simplest exercises to help you with
this is visual imagery. It is a way of viewing your own ideas, feelings and
interpretations. Its language will be personal to you through what you can see
in your “mind’s eye,” what you feel, taste, hear and experience. In order to
develop or change something you will need to concentrate in order to
visualise your plan.

The first step is to induce yourself with the Relaxation Exercise

Then carry on with the Garden Exercise or the Cloud Relaxation Exercise

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Follow on with the Personal Visualisation Exercise – these will help you to
develop your visualisation skills.
End with the Coming-Up Exercise

Visual Imagery Exercise

The Garden Exercise

As you go deeper now you subconscious mind becomes open … more
accessible and receptive to new learning … to changing old beliefs … as you
relax so comfortably there … so calm … and a feeling of peace and
tranquillity allows you to relax more and more with each easy breath … and
with each gentle beat of your heart. So let go now … let go of stress and
tension … and go deeper now.

Relax … and as you continue to drift deeper still … you begin to see … sense
… or imagine yourself in a beautiful garden … the sun is shining … gently
warming your skin … and you are comfortable. You look across the lawn as
it sweeps away to an ornamental pond … with a fountain playing … the water
droplets sparkling … glistening … in the soft diffused light that filters through
the leaves and branches of the ancient trees that surround this garden …
shielding and sheltering this beautiful place. The grass is soft … springy
beneath your feet … and as you walk you pass flower beds cut into the lawn
… so many varieties and colours … and you are aware of the fragrance of the
flowers carried to you on a soft breeze that drifts across the garden … rustling
the leaves … causing the heads of the flowers to sway gently. The subtle
sound of nature is all around you … birds singing … the drone of insects …
and the splash and gurgle of cascading water … each sound … each
sensation … relaxing you more … comforting as you drift deeper … and
every step becomes heavier.

You soon find yourself in a small clearing … the sun warming you … and
relaxing you more and more now … as you sit resting your back against a
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large and ancient tree. The bark of the tree is soft and comfortable … and
you sense that many people have rested here as you are resting now … and
although you are alone you feel safe here … peaceful … comfortable … as
your mind drifts and fades.

The Cloud Relaxation Exercise

This is an alternative exercise of visual imagery for you to use if you like. As
you will see the word “relaxed” is emphasised, therefore when you tape this
exercise make sure you emphasise it with your recording.

Now … continue to allow that relaxation to deepen. You allow no tension at

all to come into you. You can allow your mind to clear totally of all worries
and concerns … and know that all forms of tension, anxiety and depression
that you may have had are all lifted from you … and you will feel very very
relaxed and calm within yourself.

Whenever you hear the word relaxed … you will double your relaxation. You
now experience complete peace and calm within yourself. As you rest so
quietly there … relaxed … and peaceful … just imagine that as you look
upwards you can see the sky … a clear blue sky with just one fluffy cloud.
And as you look at the one white fluffy cloud it begins to descend … getting
lower and lower … until it envelops you as you rest there … and that fluffy
cloud seems to gently massage your body with soothing … healing energy …
making you feel even more relaxed. You feel calm … safe … and secure.
You can feel the soothing energy gently massaging … pulsating through the
whole of your body … in through the pores … and flowing right through your
body … easing out any tensions … depressions … or anxieties … out through
your fingertips and your toes. Any bad feelings … any negativity … all being
pushed out … and this leaves you feeling so very calm … so very relaxed …
so unconcerned.

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If you wish … now that you recognise that you are really in control … you may
choose to allow your cloud to just drift upwards into the clear blue sky. And
you can enjoy the wonderful clean … pure fresh air … or you may choose to
float on your cloud … surrounded by pure healthy energy … and as you take
a deep breath you can feel this healthy soothing energy flowing through your
nostrils … all the way down your throat … and into your lungs. You can feel
it enter your bloodstream and circulate to all parts of your body … filling you
with soothing healing energy … that is flowing all through your body. You
can feel your whole body tingle with pure … healthy … soothing energy.
Now take a deep breath … and as you breath out … release any remaining
negative emotions … you feel so good now … relaxing … deeper and deeper.

Personal Visualisation Exercise

As you sit there you start to think of ways you can store … in your mind … the
knowledge and information you can gather from the Tarot cards … you
imagine yourself dealing with your problems and correcting them … in a
controlled and relaxed manner. Your psychic energy is allowing you to
pinpoint your problems … and create details of your plan. You concentrate
on all the things you will do to gather this information from the Tarot cards …
and set a day when you are going to start … from getting up in the morning in
a calm … relaxed … and controlled way … and you will continue each day to
put special emphasis on the Tarot cards … and allow your inner or Higher
Self to help you. You will be able to pinpoint any problems that need
correcting … and you see yourself changing and receiving much better
interpretations than you will find in a book. You see and feel yourself in the
middle of your plan … it is working … and you are in control.

When you have completed this exercise, simply use the Coming Up exercise
to wake yourself. When you wake you will remember all the suggestions from
this exercise. Practise this exercise to perfection and you will be amazed with
the results.

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Study Time Exercise
This exercise is to help you to concentrate on any study or learning that you
need to do by using a special trigger word. This trigger word can be anything
you like that will allow you to focus your mind on the work at hand. For
example, if you are studying from books then you can use the word
“bookworm.”

Start with the Relaxation Exercise

Then if you like, the Garden Exercise
Then the Study Time Exercise
Followed by the Coming-Up Exercise

Study Time Exercise

Whenever you settle down to study you will say quietly to yourself a very very
special word … a very powerful trigger word … the word is Tarot … that’s
right Tarot. Whenever and wherever you settle down to study … just say
this special word Tarot to yourself … and you will find that instantly … you
are able to focus your mind and attention into a powerful beam of
concentration … a beam of concentration so powerful that you are easily able
to absorb and store in your memory … all the information and knowledge
contained in the Tarot cards … or contained in whatever you are studying …
be it from reading … listening … psychic ability … or viewing … information
and knowledge which you will be able to instantly recall … whenever and
wherever you may need it … and you will be able to concentrate 100% on the
study material in front of you. nothing will disturb your concentration …
unimportant noises will just simply fade away into the background … unless
there is an emergency which you will immediately attend to … and return to
your studies as soon as is possible.

Every day and in every way your motivation … how long to study … and
when you sit down to start your study period … just say the trigger word Tarot
… and you will then be able to focus a powerful beam of concentration on the
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cards or subject you are about to study … absorbing all the information and
knowledge … contained therein … knowledge and information … which you
will store in your memory … available there for your instant recall …
whenever and wherever you need it.

When your study period time is up … your subconscious mind will tell you the
time is up … you have completed the study period … and you can now
continue with all the other necessary things which your busy life requires.
You know what is important … and needs to be done … and you are also fully
aware of the many unimportant things that can waste your precious time.
You must avoid the things … things that are completely unproductive …
things that may affect your studies … you are in full control … and will be able
to prioritise your valuable time.

You will find that you look forward to your study periods … and get great
pleasure and satisfaction when studying … and you are able to enjoy all the
other events that are in your life every day … things which may have upset
and deterred you to study will grow and grow … but you will be able to handle
it. You will get a lot of pleasure … and a great deal of enjoyment from your
studying … because you and your powerful subconscious mind are in full
control now … study time is most important to you … but it must fit in with all
the other many and varied things that you have to do during your busy day.

However … you are in full control … and you will decide what time to study …
when to study … where to study … and how long to study … and then when
you decide to settle down to study … just say quietly to yourself … your
special trigger word Tarot … and you will be instantly able to focus your mind
and attention into a powerful beam of concentration on the cards or subject
which you are about to study … and you will find it so easy to absorb and
store … all the information and knowledge placed in front of you …
knowledge and information you will store in your memory … available there
for you to instantly recall … whenever … and wherever you need it. You will

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find that you are instantly able to focus your mind and attention into a
powerful beam of concentration … a beam of concentration so powerful …
that you are easily able to absorb and store in your memory … all the
information contained in the Tarot cards or whatever you are studying … be it
from reading … listening … psychic ability … or viewing … information and
knowledge which you will be able to instantly recall … whenever and
wherever you may need it.

While you are studying … you will exclude all unrelated thoughts and
distractions from your mind … and you will concentrate 100% on the material
in front of you. Nothing will disturb your concentration … unimportant noises
will just simply fade away into the background … unless there is an
emergency … and then you will immediately attend to it … and then return to
your studies as soon as possible.

Every day in every way … your determination to study will grow and grow.
You will get a lot of pleasure and enjoyment from your studying … because
you are in control. Study time is most important to you … but it must fit in
with all the other things … which you have to do in your busy day. You are in
full control to study … it will grow and grow … you will get a lot of pleasure …
and a great deal of enjoyment from your studying … because you and your
powerful subconscious mind are in full control now. Study time is most
important to you … but it must fit in with all the other many and varied things
that you have to do in your busy day.

You are in full control … and you will decide what time to study … when to
study … where to study … and how long to study. When you decide to settle
down to study … just say quietly to yourself … your special trigger word Tarot
… and you will be instantly able … to focus your mind and attention … into a
powerful beam of concentration … on the Tarot cards or the subject you are
about to study … and you will find it so easy to absorb and store … all the
information and knowledge placed in front of you … knowledge and

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information which you will store in your memory … available for you to
instantly recall … whenever and wherever you need it. And when your study
period time is up … your subconscious mind will tell you that you have
completed the study time you had previously decided … and you can now
continue with all the other necessary things … which your very busy life
requires you to know what is important … and what needs to be done. And
you are also fully aware of the many unimportant … trivial things … which can
waste your precious time.

You must avoid completely the things that are counter-productive … and
which may affect your studies. You are in full control … you will be able to
prioritise your valuable time … you will look forward to … and thoroughly
enjoy your study periods … you will find you will get a great deal of pleasure
and tremendous satisfaction whenever you are studying … and you will also
enjoy all the other events … which take place in your life every day. Things
which may have upset and deterred you in the past … will no longer upset
you … but will now spur you on … and increase your determination and
desire to succeed … and you will be very happy. And every day in every
way … you will get better and better and better … today better than yesterday
… tomorrow better than today. Whenever you settle down to study … just
say quietly to yourself … your very special trigger word … Tarot … and you
will instantly feel totally relaxed … totally at ease … and you will tune in to
these beneficial suggestions.

Now use the Coming-Up Exercise

That Quiet Inner Voice

This script is for use if you need to become aware of your own capabilities
and gain confidence in your own inner awareness and capabilities in order to
reach your goals. It can help you to push forward with your own
interpretations of the Tarot cards.

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As you continue drifting deeper with each breath you take … you can be
aware of how little you need to be aware of … the sounds in the room … the
ticking of the clock perhaps … the rustle of papers … sounds outside … each
sound helping you to relax even more deeply … and you become less and
less aware of the importance of all that is unimportant here … nothing bothers
or concerns you … as your conscious mind drifts off to a place which is
comfortable and safe … and your subconscious mind takes on the
responsibility for guiding and directing your awareness down … into your
innermost self … aware now of that gentle connection … communication with
that part of you that is the essence of you … that knows all … remembers
each and every event that has served to shape and mould your unique and
special personality … a part of you that you really do hear as a quiet and calm
voice from within … a voice of wisdom and of truth that is so often lost within
the clamour and the clatter of the world … and the demands … the
constraints … and the noise of those who would have you bend to their will.

Now hear that voice … still quiet and calm … but now as clear as crystal …
piercing through the fog of indecision and lack of confidence … unmoved and
unaltered in its determination to give you at all times … good advice … wise
answers … and solutions to all problems for you highest benefit … and those
who are special to you. This is that creative and special part of you … that
wise inner adviser that is always there for you … and with your benefit and
well-being always the prime consideration … a constant ethereal part that is
you … and was you before there was awareness of this existence in this time
… an invaluable friend who must be listened to … and you will … will you
not?

You can recognise now that value … that unique capacity and capability that
is yours … has always been yours … and how good you can feel with that
intense awareness of confidence in your ability to make changes and
decisions in your life for yourself. No longer will you allow others to
manipulate you or take advantage of you. You now expect to obtain

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everything that is yours … that you deserve … that you are entitled to as a
unique and special person … aware of who you are … aware of your own
talents and special qualities … always that person who is at the forefront …
always there with a valuable input to every situation … no longer that person
who needs others to make decisions … you make your own and are
comfortable with that.

Others will come to rely on you because of the person that you are …
confident and self-assured … an example to those who admire you … as you
allow those qualities … that have been so long hidden … to burst forth from
within … to astound and confound those who would put you down … try to
manipulate you … and try to control you. You are your own person … proud
… confident … who takes responsibility for your own life and well-being … a
true friend of your own wise inner adviser … that is you personified.

Finish with the Coming-Up Exercise

Enhancing Your Psychic Awareness and Your Tarot

Card Interpretations
This session can be used to enhance you psychic creativity when putting your
own interpretations into the Tarot cards, and also help to overcome any
mental blocks that may occur when trying to read them.

Imagine gathering all of the uncertainties that inhibit your psychic awareness
and Tarot card interpretations. Imagine just gathering all of these
uncertainties and placing them in a sack. The sack now becomes a bundle
of energy in a productive and positive way. You now choose to use this
energy to accomplish your goal to improve your psychic awareness and Tarot
card interpretations. Now just imagine opening the sack and seeing a
positive energy emerge. It is a brilliant colour … all the colours of a rainbow
… filling the room and enveloping your body. It is powerful … and positive.

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You begin to see new messages within your Tarot card interpretations … your
psychic awareness is becoming stronger. You can feel this powerful force
surge through your body. Your mind becomes clear and focused … focused
… you feel confident … sure of your talents and abilities … eager to set your
new found psychic awareness into practise … and you control the energy and
power of this ability in your life … you are very successful at controlling the
energy and power of this psychic awareness in your life … and now you can
use this energy and power to fuel and stimulate your Tarot card
interpretations … to fuel your Tarot card interpretations. You can easily take
any of your uncertainties … place them into a sack … and change them into a
brilliant rainbow of positive energy … that you can use in the most positive
and psychic ways.

Now just imagine yourself in a spectrum of colourful energy that surrounds

and surges through your body. Now just imagine yourself walking down a
busy road … full of energy … and intent on reaching your destination of
psychic awareness soon … very intent on reaching your destination. As you
are walking … you notice the area around you … there is a park across the
road that is beautifully landscaped … and you enter the park and sit on a
bench … so you take this opportunity to take a few breaths and relax … you
take a few deep breaths and relax. You begin to notice how pleasant the day
is … and you begin to feel a new and healthy energy flow through your entire
body.

Now just reflect on your Tarot card interpretations … and see them in the
most positive way … visualise yourself approaching your interpretations with
a new and fresh energy … that is calming … soothing … relaxing … and
enables you to give the Tarot cards a deeper … and creative meaning. The
more calm you feel … the more enthusiastic and psychic you become. You
are free to go ahead … all restrictions have been lifted … all obstacles are
gone … you are free to continue. You continue down the road and in just a
few moments … you will reach the destination where your psychic awareness

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has been waiting for you. It takes only a few moments … and the more
relaxed you feel … and the more calm you feel … the sooner you will arrive at
your destination of psychic awareness.

Now imagine yourself reaching your destination of psychic awareness. You

are relaxed … you feel a new energy … you feel confident … you feel free.
Imagine yourself approaching your psychic awareness. This is your
destination … this is your psychic place … you have arrived … you feel
excited … you are filled with new energy … your psychic awareness is active
… you approach your Tarot cards … take a deep breath … and feel and see
yourself interpreting them … effortlessly … and easily. You are absorbed …
involved … there is a smile on your face … you are carrying out your own
psychic interpretations of the Tarot cards … you are absorbed in what you are
doing … and all of your interpretations are strong and meaningful. Your mind
and body responds in total harmony with your interpretations and feelings.
You now visualise as clearly as you can these positive images.

Let these positive images and feelings stay with you … they are easily
recalled every time you approach your Tarot cards … and are easily recalled
every time you use your psychic awareness. Anytime you like … your positive
psychic abilities will reappear … and will fill you and be with you … and you
can continue any spiritual journey you like … where your psychic awareness
becomes clear … where all direction becomes so obvious … where all
problems are easily solved.

From now on … whenever you experience a block … just imagine that park
bench signalling you to stop … and take a rest for a few moments. As you
imagine your block disappearing … imagine yourself seeking a special place
that will help you to drift … discover … and master your skills. Imagine
yourself finding a magical path that leads you towards the ocean … see
yourself on this path walking along … smelling the sea and the clear
invigorating air.

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Now find a place where you can rest. You may come across a beautiful
hidden beach where you can sit while you let the warm sun soothe and relax
your body … or your special place may be a boat on which you can just
stretch out and drift. Do not try to think … just let your mind drift and say
quietly to yourself … my psychic awareness and Tarot card interpretations …
can emerge … can surface … and can evolve … this is a perfect time for my
psychic awareness and Tarot card interpretations to surface … a perfect time.
I am ready to receive them … to welcome them … and use them. As you
drift you see clearly and in a positive direction … you feel your psychic
awareness flowing … and you feel an excited energy … and as you relax …
your psychic energy is released … you feel confident … at ease … and
secure with your talent.

You can easily call upon your psychic energy any time you choose …
because all you need to do is relax and recall your special place … and feel
your psychic awareness and Tarot card interpretations begin to flow … flow
easily … flow easily … and now just concentrate to drift … drift … continue to
drift … continue to let your mind glide free … let it drift … and in a few
moments … you will be free to use your psychic abilities … to enjoy your
psychic and creative talent … and shape … and form your Tarot readings into
strong and meaningful interpretations.

Finish with the Coming-Up Exercise

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 Chakras

Chakra is the Sanskrit (the ancient and sacred

language of the Indian Hindus) word for wheel.
They are the energy centres that are situated
within our aura that act as transmitters of
energy to keep the chakra wheels turning. If
you think of them as electrical currents then
you may be able to understand them easier. It
suggests that when the current is not flowing
through properly you may feel worn out or tired. We all have thousands of
chakras around our bodies, but we are just going to concentrate on the major
seven chakras that run from just above the top of your head to the base of
your spine.

The First Chakra – The Base or Root Chakra

This is located at the base of your spine, and it is associated with the colour
red. It relates with our instinct for survival, our “flight or fight” response. The
base chakra is physically connected with your spine, adrenal glands, ureters,
outer genitalia, bladder and kidneys. This chakra opens downwards and roots
you to all matters related to the Earth and your physical wellbeing and
activities. When the base chakra is well-balanced you will feel in tune with the
earth and nature, be able to cope easier with stress and have a higher sense
of physical wellbeing. When there is an imbalance then it may result from you
being overindulgent with food, alcohol and sex, you may suffer with very high
or very low blood pressure, and you may even feel that you just want to give
up on life.

The Second Chakra – The Sacral or Navel Chakra

This is located just below your navel and is associated with the colour orange.
It relates to our relationships with others, how good we are at forming
relationships, and how we feel about our own sexuality. The sacral chakra is
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connected with your reproductive system: the male prostate and testes, and
the female ovaries, tuber and uterus. This chakra opens at the front and back
of your body and is linked with our emotions or issues connected with them.
When the sacral chakra is well-balanced your creative energy is sensitive and
loving, you are confident in your actions and your feelings are genuine. When
there is an imbalance you may develop a physical disorder, such as
impotence, frigidity, hormonal imbalances, infertility, or suffer from fungal
infections, such as herpes, genital warts, thrush, and so on. You may also
tend to push away those you love.

The Third Chakra – The Solar Plexus Chakra

This is located just below your breastbone and is associated with the colour
yellow. It relates to our self-esteem and how we see ourselves fitting into the
world as a whole. The solar plexus chakra is connected with your digestive
system, including your stomach gall-bladder, liver, spleen, small and large
bowel, and pancreas. This chakra opens at the front and back and is linked
with our own sense of destiny, willpower and determination. When the solar
plexus chakra is well-balanced you will feel at peace and in harmony with
yourself and with those close to you, everything in life will feel fine and you
feel that good things are happening. When there is an imbalance it can result
in digestive problems, such as diarrhoea, constipation, diabetes, stomach and
bowel ulcers, pancreatitis and gallstones. Your personality may be
suppressed, and nervous problems can also be connected to the solar plexus.

The Fourth Chakra – The Heart Chakra

This is located in the middle of your breastbone above your chest and is
associated with the colour green. It relates to our ability to love and make a
connection and union through devotion, feelings, touch, and being selfless.
The heart chakra is connected with your heart and circulatory system, and
includes the breasts, lungs, capillaries, arteries and veins. This chakra opens
at the front and back and is linked with our ability to show unconditional and
unselfish love towards everything around us without expecting anything in

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return, and is considered to be the point at which we start to develop true
spiritual awareness. When the heart chakra is well-balanced you radiate
warmth and happiness, and express love, wisdom and empathy to every
being and everything around you which leads to universal awareness and
growth, and supplies you with physical and psychic protection. When there is
an imbalance it suggests that you may be there for others but are neglecting
yourself, which may result with you suffering from heart or circulatory
problems that can include coronary occlusion or cardiac failure. There could
also be problems with high blood pressure and lung ailments, such as cancer.

The Fifth Chakra – The Throat Chakra

This is located at the hollow of your throat and is associated with the colour
blue. It relates with our ability to communicate creatively, and knowing when
to speak and when not to. The throat chakra is connected with your thyroid
gland, larynx, pharynx, trachea, tongue, mouth, jaw, neck, upper lungs,
shoulders, arms and hands. This chakra opens at the front and back and is
linked with how we express ourselves to others and our ability to
communicate our thoughts and feelings in a creative way. When the throat
chakra is well-balanced you are able to express your feelings and thoughts in
a creative and professional way, maybe through writing, music, painting or
any other creative communication or work that can influence your position
within society. When there is an imbalance you deny your thoughts and
feelings and suppress your dreams and creativity. This can result in high
blood pressure, toxic goitre, weight loss, palpitations, nervousness and lack of
energy, and also sore throats, laryngitis, tonsillitis, tinnitus, bronchitis and
asthma.

The Sixth Chakra – The Third Eye or Brow Chakra

This is located in the middle of your forehead and is associated with the
colour purple. It relates to our spiritual energies and higher mind. The third
eye chakra is connected with your lower brain, left eye, sinuses, nervous
system, and pituitary gland. This chakra opens at the front and back and is

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linked with our ability to understand and attain knowledge through insight,
intuition and psychic sight. When the third eye chakra is well-balanced it
becomes easier for you to visualise and understand concepts, and have the
ability to work on ideas in a practical way. Your subconscious is active, you
are able to visualise with meditation or self-hypnosis, and develop your
psychic ability. When there is an imbalance your imagination may become far
distanced from reality, and you may suffer with headaches from sinus
congestion, migraines, nervous tension, eye problems and endocrine
imbalances due to over-stimulation of the pituitary gland.

The Seventh Chakra – The Crown Chakra

This is located at the very top and centre of your head and is associated with
the colours of violet and white. It relates to finding spiritual illumination,
understanding, self-realisation and a state of pure bliss. The crown chakra is
connected with your upper brain, right eye and pineal gland. This chakra
opens from the top of your head to allow cosmic energy to flow in and down
through your body. When the crown chakra is well-balanced your spiritual and
earthly life is in unison, you are receptive to the spiritual energy from the
higher planes and able to see through the illusions of life. You are connecting
and merging with the divine. When there is an imbalance you feel lost, as if
you are groping in the dark, and may lack any purpose to your life. This can
be the result of a lack of sleep, rest and a poor lifestyle that has led to a lack
of melatonin, which is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, causing an
imbalance in the other glands within your body, that may eventually lead to
psychological depression.

Balancing Your Chakras

The following is a meditation/self-hypnosis exercise to balance your chakras
in order to maintain physical, emotional, mental and spiritual harmony. This
exercise comprises of:

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The Breathing Exercise
The Relaxation Exercise
The Garden Visualisation
The Grounding Exercise
The Chakra Opening/Balancing Exercise
The Chakra Closing Exercise
The Coming-Up Exercise

Firstly, sit down with your feet apart and flat on the floor, and make yourself
comfortable. Close your eyes, do the Breathing Exercise, the Relaxation
Exercise and follow up with the Garden Visualisation. Now continue with the
other exercises.

As you are relaxing there … imagine a bright white light coming down from
above … entering the top of your head … and filling your whole body. Feel it
travelling through every cell … joint … and muscle in your body … pulsating
… cleansing … and refreshing as it goes through. Feel all the tension and
stresses just drifting away … with each breath you take. Feel your body and
soul being revitalised. As you inhale … draw in more pure white light … and
let it flow out from your heart … fingers … and toes as you exhale … and see
this pure white light now swirling around you … protecting you … and
cushioning you from harm. Now you are totally protected by this aura of pure
white light.

The Grounding Exercise

Grounding is an important exercise especially for those people who may feel
a little nervous or scared of what they might experience. Sometimes it may
seem that you are floating from your body and not quite “here”, so the
grounding exercise helps to anchor yourself to the earth. Even when you have
finished the meditation/self-hypnosis exercise you may find it hard to return
back to earth because you enjoy the feeling, therefore it can also be used
after the exercise to bring you back. This exercise is as follows:
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Now while you are still relaxing there in your garden … focus on your feet …
and feel them firmly rooted to the ground. Visualise long roots coming from
your feet … reaching into the ground … and connecting with the earth’s
energy. Feel that energy travelling through your feet … calves … knees …
thighs … buttocks … hips … into your stomach … up your spine … over your
shoulders … down your arms … into your hands … and out through your
fingertips. Now feel the earth’s energy going up through your neck … up
through your head … and coming into contact with the pure white light. You
are now aware that every part of you feels heavy and relaxed.

Now focus on the base chakra … at the base of your spine … and pointing
towards the ground … and feel it begin to open as you take each breath.
Visualise a glowing ball of red light coming towards you … and draw it up
through your base chakra. As you draw it in … it becomes brighter and
warmer … filling your whole body with the colour of red. Feel it pulsating …
cleansing … and balancing your base chakra … and while it does this …
focus on how much you feel more in tune with the Earth and nature … feel a
higher sense of physical wellbeing … and how much easier it is to cope with
any stress in your life.

Spend a minute with this chakra before you move on to the next

Now focus on the sacral chakra … just below your navel … and opening at
the front … and back of your body. Feel this chakra begin to open at the
front and back of you … as you take each breath. Visualise a glowing ball of
orange light coming towards you … and as it gets closer … see it split into
two orange balls of light … making it easier for you to draw into the front and
back of your sacral chakra. As you draw them into the front and back they
become brighter and warmer … filling your whole body with the colour of
orange. Feel them pulsating … cleansing … and balancing your sacral
chakra … and while they do this … focus on being more sensitive … loving …

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and creative … more confident in your actions … and more genuine with your
feelings.

Spend a minute with this chakra before moving on to the next

Now focus on the solar plexus chakra … just below your breastbone … and
opening up at the front and back of your body. Feel this chakra begin to
open at the front and back of you … as you take each breath. Visualise a
glowing ball of yellow light coming towards you … and as it gets closer … see
it split into two yellow balls of light … making it easier for you to draw into the
front and back of your solar plexus chakra. As you draw them into the front
and back … they become brighter and warmer … filling your whole body with
the colour of yellow. Feel them pulsating … cleansing … and balancing your
solar plexus chakra … and while they do this … focus on feeling at peace …
and in harmony with yourself … and with those close to you … believe that
good things are going to happen … and everything in life will feel fine.

Spend a minute on this chakra before moving on to the next

Now focus on the heart chakra … in the middle of your breastbone … and
above your chest … and opening up at the front and back of your body. Feel
this chakra begin to open at the front and back of you … as you take each
breath. Now visualise a glowing ball of green light coming towards you …
and as it gets closer … see it split into two green balls of light … making it
easier for you to draw into the front and back of your heart chakra. As you
draw them into the front and back … they become brighter and warmer …
filling your whole body with the colour of green. Feel them pulsating …
cleansing … and balancing your heart chakra … and while they do this …
focus on radiating warmth and happiness … expressing your love … wisdom
… and empathy to every being and everything around you … and universal
awareness and growth … that will supply you with physical and psychic
protection.

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Spend a minute with this chakra before moving on to the next

Now focus on the throat chakra at the hollow of your throat … and opening up
at the front and back of your neck. Feel this chakra begin to open at the front
and back of you … as you take each breath. Now visualise a glowing ball of
blue light coming towards you … and as it does … see it split into two blue
balls of light … making it easier for you to draw into the front and back of your
throat chakra. As you draw them into the front and back … they become
brighter and warmer … filling your whole body with the colour of blue. Feel
them pulsating … cleansing … and balancing your throat chakra … and while
they do this … focus on expressing your thoughts and feelings … and see
yourself communicating your creativity in a confident … and professional way
… enabling you to push your plans forward … and influencing your position
within society.

Spend a minute with this chakra before moving on to the next

Now focus on the third eye chakra … in the middle of your forehead … and
opening up at the front and back of your head. Feel this chakra begin to
open at the front and back of you … as you take each breath. Now visualise
a glowing ball of purple light coming towards you … and as it does … see it
split into two purple balls of light … making it easier for you to draw into the
front and back of your third eye chakra. As you draw them into the front and
back … they become brighter and warmer … filling your whole body with the
colour of purple. Feel them pulsating … cleansing … and balancing your
third eye chakra … and while they do this … focus on visualising and
understanding concepts … and your ability to develop your ideas in a
practical way. Be aware that your subconscious is active … and that you are
now able to visualise … and develop your psychic ability with meditation or
self-hypnosis.

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Spend a minute on this chakra before moving on to the next

Now focus on the crown chakra … at the very top and centre of your head …
and opening up to the sky. Feel this chakra begin to open wider … as you
take each breath. Now visualise a glowing ball of violet light coming towards
you … and as you draw it into your crown chakra … it becomes brighter and
warmer … filling your whole body with the colour of violet. Feel it pulsating
… cleansing … and balancing your crown chakra … and while it does this …
focus on the cosmic energy flowing through your body … feel your spiritual
and earthly life working in unison … be receptive to the spiritual energy from
the higher planes. See through the illusions within your life … and feel
yourself connecting and merging with the divine. You are now in complete
control … and able to tap into the power of your subconscious mind … to
receive information and answers from your inner or Higher self … and able to
examine your past … present … and view your possible future.

Spend a minute on this chakra, and when you are ready you can start to close
them down.

Closing the Chakras

When closing your chakras … start with the base chakra and focus on
slowing it down by turning off a switch … or any other method you can
visualise. Do not fully close the base chakra as it always stays open. You
will know how far to close it … and when you have … then seal and protect it
… by mentally drawing a circle of light around it.

Spend a few moments closing this chakra before moving on to the next

When you have done that go on to the next five chakras … from the sacral to
the third eye. This time … close them all completely … and remember that
there are two openings with each of these chakras … one at the front and one

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at the back. Close them fully using whatever method you like … and then
seal and protect them with your circle of light.

Spend approximately two minutes closing these chakras before moving on to

the next.

Now move on to the crown chakra … and leave this one open … but slow it
down using your method … and protect it with your circle of light. After you
have done that … draw in more pure white light into your body … and feel it
cleanse and refresh you. Do this a few times then focus on your feet.

Spend approximately one minute before moving on

Feel your feet being rooted to the ground again … and making them feel
heavy. Feel your chakra energies settling down … and feel yourself coming
back in tune with your body. Ask for guidance … love … protection … and
growth … and when you have said or asked what you feel is necessary …
give thanks and sit quietly for a moment.

When you are ready, continue with the Coming-Up Exercise.

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 Spirit Guides

Before we move on to spirit guides we first

need to take a look at the ego and the role it
plays in our lives.

The Ego
Our ego is part of us and is used to push
ourselves towards our goals, build up our
confidence and survive in this “dog-eat-dog”
world. However, it can also be a barrier to
spiritual awareness, because as you are trying
to make contact with your spirit guides through meditation or self-hypnosis,
your ego may decide to manifest itself in some form making you think you had
made contact with a spirit guide. In fact you were visualising yourself in a
different guise and taking guidance from yourself.

To release your ego you need to do all the following exercises:

• The Breathing Exercise

• The Relaxation Exercise
• The Garden Visualisation
• The Grounding Exercise
• The Meeting and Releasing Your Ego Exercise
• The Coming-Up Exercise

Meeting and Releasing Your Ego Exercise

First of all sit down and make yourself comfortable with your feet apart and flat
on the floor. Do the Breathing Exercise, the Relaxation Exercise, the Garden
Visualisation and the Grounding Exercise. Now continue with the next
exercise.
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As you are relaxing and sitting comfortably against your tree, you notice a
doorway that has been built into it. You open the door … and go through it
… finding yourself going down some steps that are lit by lanterns. When you
arrive at the bottom of the steps you start walking along a mirrored corridor …
it seems to go on forever but you are curious to find where it leads.

You walk a little further … and notice a door ahead of you … this door has a
powerful warrior-like man standing by it. As you approach the door this
powerful man asks you … “Are you ready to see your ego?” … “Are you
ready to let it go?” … “Are you ready to free yourself of it?” … “Are you ready
to work from your soul rather than from your ego?” … and “Are you ready to
embrace life without your ego making judgements?” You say yes … and
move forwards towards the powerful man … you notice the door is so heavy
and solid … that the powerful man has to push it open for you using all of his
weight.

As the door opens … the powerful man asks you to enter the room and find
the throne within … to sit on it … and wait for a moment. You enter to find
the room full of purple mist … then you hear the door close behind you. You
find the throne easily and sit there for a moment … quietly curious and
excited at the same time.

Spend a few moments with your thoughts

Suddenly you see something approaching through the purple mist … it seems
to look like you … then you realise it is you. This is your ego … the one you
created to protect yourself from the fears and pressures of your daily life.

Look at yourself as others see you … like you are looking through the eyes of
someone meeting you for the first time … take a good look at him/her …
“What do you feel about this person?” … “What kind of vibes is he/she
projecting?” … “What is your reaction to meeting this stranger?” Talk to your

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ego … and ask all the questions that you want to ask yourself when you do
something that is not really you! “How does it feel being detached from your
ego and its responsibilities?” “Do you feel happier … lighter … freer … or
powerless … weak … or vulnerable?” Now you are just you. If your ego
tries to come back and attach itself to you … just gently push it back … and it
will stand back.

Spend some time with your ego … because without it you would not be here.
However, remember that your ego can hinder the reality of situations in your
life … it can make you defensive or aggressive … it wants you to be
something you are not … and wants you to have all the things you do not
have or actually want. You are now the real you … but if you want your ego
back all you have to do is call it … and it will come and attach itself to you
again. If you decide not to work with your ego anymore … feel the difference
as to how the real you works. If you decide to free yourself of your ego …
say thank you and let it return through the purple mist to where it came from.

Now walk back to the heavy door … bang on it … and the powerful man will
open it for you. You see and hear the door slowly creak open … and you
step out of the room. Briefly thank the powerful man for his assistance …
and leave back down the mirrored corridor. Do you see any changes in the
corridor? When you reach the steps … go up them … open the door … step
out into the garden … close the door … and sit down against your tree … and
relax.

When you are ready do the Coming-Up Exercise.

Spirit Guides

What Are They?

Spirit guides are souls or entities who have lived on Earth before. You have
probably heard said by someone, that they thought their guardian angel was

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with them when something went wrong at a certain point in their life. However,
they can appear in many forms, such as animals, coloured lights, a breeze, a
certain smell of scent or any other representation. Spirit guides have no
gender because they are pure energy, but if you want them to appear in a
guise that you are familiar with then they will oblige, they will always manifest
in a form that your mind is compatible with. Therefore, if you expect your spirit
guide to look like the magician Merlin or the Greek goddess Aphrodite, then it
will usually appear in that form.

We all have more than one spirit guide and some always stay with us and
some come and go to teach us specific lessons during our lives. We all have
protective guides and they stay with us always, and other spirit guides will
come with a specific role to help you with your development, and will move on
when you have learnt what is needed. You have the opportunity to learn and
grow spiritually if you are able to acknowledge the presence of your guides
and work with their energies.

Spirit guides are interested in the work you are involved in, and their main
concern is to teach you the spiritual truth and knowledge that is held back
from most people who live on the earthly plane. They are willing to help and
want you to do well but you have to ask permission, and they will not do
anything until you ask. When you do they will come to encourage you to learn
the lessons of life, but they will not do it for you. You will probably end up
feeling that you need to take a good look at yourself and maybe make
changes to some aspects of your life, and they will definitely leave you to take
responsibility for yourself. Spirit guides will not tell you what to do, they will
leave that up to you to make your choices, and besides, it will hinder your
spiritual growth if they told you exactly what to do. However, they will guide
you in the right direction, teach you important lessons, keep you safe and help
you to achieve your goals in life.

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Do not confuse your spirit guides with ghosts. Ghosts are a different form of
energy and a much more confused one at that, possibly a fragment of their
memory that has become detached from its soul energy and has not
managed to cross over into the spirit world. They do not understand or will not
accept that they have passed away and are still attached to the earthly plane,
which stops them from moving completely into the spiritual plane. Ghosts are
lost and lonely, they are usually wandering around looking for your help and
guidance, and the only way to help a ghost to move on is with love and
compassion. They are not dangerous but can be a nuisance, so if you see
one, it is best to leave it alone. If you have one at home and want it to move
on you will need help from a medium unless you have the ability to do it
yourself.

Going back to spirit guides, when you do manage to make contact trust what
you see, have confidence in yourself, in what you see and in what advice you
may receive.

Questions to Ask Your Spirit Guide

When you are in contact with your spirit guide be aware of questions such as
the following ones while you are induced in meditation or self-hypnosis:

• What am I feeling, seeing or sensing now?

• What message is my guide trying to communicate to me?

The following questions to ask your spirit guide are more personal:

• Will you help me with what I am supposed to learn in this lifetime?

• How can I make my spiritual growth an easier journey?
• What specific actions can I take to make it easier to follow my spiritual
path?
• Why do I never have enough money?
• What can I do to create more abundance in my current life?
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• What is my highest spiritual goal at this time?
• How can I become more creative?
• Why am I always angry with my partner?
• Why can’t I find the right partner?
• What can I do to improve the communication with my spirit guides?
• What is needed to improve my psychic ability regarding my Tarot cards?
• How can I improve my psychic readings to help others?
• Why do I feel so tired all the time?

The list of questions can go on forever, so you need to establish what you
want to ask your spirit guide when you make contact, and make your
questions honest, open, specific and straight to the point.

Contacting Your Spirit Guide

When making contact with your spirit guides you will need to do the following
exercises:

• The Breathing Exercise

• The Relaxation Exercise
• The Garden Visualisation
• The Grounding Exercise
• The Ego Exercise (Optional)
• The Contacting Your Spirit Guide Exercise
• The Coming-Up Exercise

Firstly sit down and make yourself comfortable with your feet apart and flat on
the floor, close your eyes, do the Breathing Exercise, the Relaxation Exercise,
the Garden Visualisation, and the Ego Exercise if you wish. Now continue with
the following exercise:

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While you are still relaxing there in your garden … imagine a bright white light
coming from above … entering the top of your head … and filling your whole
body. Feel it travelling through every cell … joint … and muscle throughout
your body … pulsating … cleansing … and refreshing as it goes through.
Feel all the tension and stresses just drifting away with every breath you take.
Feel your body and soul being revitalised. As you inhale … draw in more
pure white light … and let it flow out of your heart … fingers … and toes as
you exhale … and see this pure white light now swirling around you …
protecting you … and cushioning you from harm. Now you are totally
protected by this aura of pure white light.

Spend a minute feeling this protection.

You are now ready to meet and communicate with your spirit guides … and
suddenly a door opens within the tree. You stand up and go through the
door … and find yourself going down some steps that are lit with lanterns.
As you get to the bottom of the steps … you are in a mirrored corridor with
many doors down each side … and you are curious as to what is behind
these doors … but intuitively know that you have to keep walking down the
corridor. As you are walking along you notice a door at the very far end of
the mirrored corridor … that is surrounded by a brilliant white light.

As you get closer still … you see an old man with a long white beard …
carrying a long staff … and sitting on a throne beside the door. As you
approach the door the old man asks “Are you ready to see your spirit
guides?” … and “Have you got your questions prepared?” Answer yes …
and move towards him. The old man stands up … and bangs his staff three
times on the door … it starts to slowly open. The old man tells you that your
spirit guides are beyond this door … and asks you to enter. As you enter into
the brilliant white light … you immediately feel surrounded by love … and
notice flashes of coloured lights dotted around … and moving within the white

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light. Take a few moments to get your bearings within this strange dimension
… and to adjust your eyes to the light.

Spend a minute adjusting to this environment.

Suddenly you notice a presence coming towards you … this presence may
appear as a coloured or white light … a sound … a human form … or another
way that you can relate to … and makes you feel comfortable. This is your
spirit guide. Ask your guide to present itself … greet your guide … and ask if
it has any information that may be valuable to you at this time. Note what
you feel … see … or sense … as your spirit guide comes closer. “What is
the message your spirit guide is trying to communicate with you?” Commit to
memory what you see and hear in the presence of this pure spirit.

Ask your spirit guide if it has a name you can use in future communication …
and say that name in your head so that you don’t forget it. Carry on a
conversation with your guide … and ask it to help you to open a path of
communication for future contact. Ask if your guide is a specialist in any
particular field … start to ask more questions … as many as you like … and
repeat your guides responses in your head … so you don’t forget them. Your
spirit guide’s loving energy is entering your aura … and becoming stronger …
feel it cleanse you with this pure loving energy.

Spend three minutes communicating with your spirit guide.

When you have finished asking your questions … and taken in your guide’s
responses … enjoy the presence of your guide’s energy. Before you say
goodbye to your spirit guide … ask it to strengthen a link to make it easier for
you to make contact for future sessions. Thank your guide … say goodbye
… and make your way towards the door.

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As the door opens … step out into the corridor where the old wise man is
waiting for you. The old man tells you that your spirit guide has left a
message for you in the last room on the left in the corridor … just before you
start walking back up the steps. He tells you that you will have to push the
door open … and in the middle of the room … you will see a table with a huge
dusty leather bound book on it. The old wise man tells you this book is the
Book of Life … and asks you to open this book … and read what is on the
page you open it at … as it will tell you something that is relevant to your life
at this time. Thank the wise old man … say goodbye … and make your way
to that door.

As you walk down the corridor … “How do you feel?” “Do you feel any
changes within yourself?” “Do you feel enlightened?” “Has a weight lifted
off your shoulders?”

Spend a minute on your feelings.

As you approach the end door on your left … a violet light is emanating
around it. You go up to the door and begin to push it open … it needs more
strength than you thought … but it begins to creak open … and you manage
it. The violet light enters your body … with every breath you take …
strengthening your intuition. You see the huge book on the table … it is
heavy … but you manage to open it at a random page. Read this page …
“What is it telling you?” “Is it something you need to do?” “Is it something
you had never thought of?” “Is it a message that educates you?” Whatever
it is … take it on board and repeat it in your mind so you don’t forget it.

When you have digested the message … close the book … and as you
exhale … the violet light will flow from your fingers … toes … heart … and
third eye. Make your way to the door … and it will automatically slowly close
behind you. Now you are back in the corridor … begin to climb the steps …
and open the door in the tree that leads back into your garden. When you

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are back in the garden … close the door on the tree … and sit down against it
… and relax.

Spend a minute reflecting on the message in the Book of Life.

When you are ready continue with the Coming-Up Exercise.

You have now made contact with your spirit guide. You can repeat this
exercise as often as you like. Be open to the advice your guide offers you,
and write down the answers to your questions and the experiences you
observe or feel.

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 Final Thoughts

When reading the Tarot cards there is

no right way, the only way is your way.
Your common sense and intuition will
usually dictate the reading. However,
the Tarot cards will not tell you what to
say it is down to you and your
responsibility as to how you put your
words across. We are learning all the
time throughout our lives, therefore it
is advisable that you adopt this frame of mind because there is always
something new to learn with the Tarot, as with any other practise, exercise or
technique.

If you start to believe that you know it all you will stop growing as a psychic
reader. Learning the Tarot cards takes time and patience and cannot be
rushed and you will learn what you need to know all in good time. You will
make mistakes along the way, we always do, but that is also part of the
learning process, however it feels good when the successes start to outweigh
them.

Before too long you will not be able to keep your ability to yourself and will
start to do readings for your friends and family. You will eventually find that as
your ability grows your friends and family will probably come to you for advice.
This is the time when you will realise that you will have to set a time limit on
your readings, because even though it can be very fulfilling it can also be very
energy sapping. If you are working through the day, there is nothing worse
than just arriving home to find someone knocking on your door expecting you
to sort out their problems there and then. This is why you need to set limits
and say no, and fix a time to suit you.

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As you progress, your Tarot readings will become more and more accurate,
which could possibly start you on a part-time career, and eventually leading to
something bigger. You can start by making yourself some leaflets and buy
some of those plastic leaflet holders for you to put them in, and place in New
Age shops, health centres, hairdressers, beauty salons, hotels and even
pubs. You can even try putting a small advert in the local newspaper. When I
first started out and put an advert in the paper I had lots of calls and had lots
of bookings from them. However with newspaper advertising I found that work
came in cycles depending on the time of year, for example, there were
obvious lulls on the follow up to Christmas, Easter and the summer holiday
period. Advertising in the papers is an option that does bring in business, but
you just need to find when there would be a lull in your area. Always have
some business cards on you, a lot of people are interested in psychic
readings and you can hand them out to interested people.

If you are out for a drink with friends ask the landlady/landlord if they wouldn’t
mind holding a Tarot reading night in their pub at some time during the week.
The last time I did readings at a pub too many people turned up and I couldn’t
handle it all myself, so I had to call in another medium to help me out.
Eighteen people arrived to have there readings done that night, and if I didn’t
get help it would have took me about nine hours to read them all, anyway it
was fun though.

Another way to start is to try and get a table at a psychic fair in your local
area. Quite at lot of these organisations advertise these days, however you
need to get an application in well in advance, but it is well worth it because
you can guarantee a decent turnout. However way you go about it, be patient,
and you never know, you may hit the big time.

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